W. Lee Hoskins

W. Lee Hoskins passed away on August 19, 2025, in Reno, Nevada, at the age of 84.

Born on February 7, 1941, in Woodland Hills, California, Hoskins attended Canoga Park High School before earning his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in economics from UCLA. From 1964 to 1966, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps.

Hoskins began his professional career in 1969 as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. He advanced to research officer in 1972 and vice president in 1973. After more than a decade in the Federal Reserve System, he became chief economist and senior vice president for economics and corporate affairs at PNC Financial Corp. in Pittsburgh.

In October 1987, he returned to the Federal Reserve System as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, serving until November 1991. During his tenure, he was a prominent advocate for zero inflation and transparent communication in monetary policy. His leadership helped shape national discussions on price stability and central bank accountability.

After resigning from the Cleveland Fed in 1991, Hoskins became president and CEO of Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio. He retired from Huntington Bank in 1997 and later settled in Reno.

Hoskins was actively involved in civic and educational causes, serving as a trustee of Carnegie Mellon University, Children's Hospital, and United Way Franklin County, Inc. He was also a member of the president's business advisory council at Ohio State University. His professional affiliations included the National Association of Business Economics, Mont Pelerin Society, and Western Economic Association International.

He enjoyed bird hunting with his dogs, fishing at the family cabin in northern California, and reading about economics, world events, and history.

He is survived by Gail, his wife of 60 years. His ashes will be scattered at his favorite hunting spot.