MNI BRIEF: Susan Collins Takes Helm of Boston Fed, July Voter

Susan Collins has started in her new position as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the first black woman in the role, the bank said in a statement Friday.

“I’m honored to take on this new role and the tremendous responsibility it carries, especially at such an important time for the U.S. economy," Collins said. "I’m eager to join my colleagues in analysis of the critical policy issues for the Fed and the economy."

She joins the FOMC as it struggles to control the strongest inflation in 40-years, which has raised fears inflation expectations are becoming unanchored. Collins', an international macroeconomist with a lifelong interest in policy and its impact on living standards, will vote on the FOMC in July.