SEL President Appointed to Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Advisory Council

Dave E. Whitehead will provide input on manufacturing, supply chain, workforce, and infrastructure as part of the Twelfth District Economic Advisory Council.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Dave E. Whitehead, president of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), has been appointed to the Twelfth District Economic Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The council is made up of business leaders from across the Federal Reserve's Twelfth District, which includes nine western states and U.S. territories. Members provide information on regional economic, business, and labor conditions to help inform Federal Reserve policy discussions.

Why it matters

Whitehead's appointment to the council provides a voice for the manufacturing and technical industries in the region, as the Federal Reserve evaluates economic conditions and formulates policies that can impact businesses and workers.

The details

In his new role, Whitehead will offer input related to manufacturing, supply chain conditions, workforce development and infrastructure. Whitehead has served as president of SEL, a Pullman-based company that operates internationally, since 1994.

  • Whitehead was appointed to the council in January 2026.

The players

Dave E. Whitehead

The president of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, a Pullman-based company that operates internationally.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

A Pullman-based company that operates internationally and is headquartered in Pullman, Washington.

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

The regional Federal Reserve bank that oversees the Twelfth District, which includes nine western states and U.S. territories.

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What they’re saying

“Whitehead said he looks forward to contributing perspectives from employers and technical industries as the council evaluates economic conditions affecting the district.”

— Dave E. Whitehead

The takeaway

Whitehead's appointment to the Federal Reserve's Twelfth District Economic Advisory Council provides a valuable industry voice to help inform the central bank's policy decisions, which can have significant impacts on businesses and workers in the western U.S. region.