David Berson More about David Berson David W. Berson, Nationwide Chief Economist, leads a team delivering economic forecasts and analyses that are used to strengthen the company’s business strategies and operating plans. David earned a doctorate in economics and a master's degree in public policy from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree in history and economics from Williams College. He is a frequent speaker to national media and industry groups on the economic outlook, housing, and mortgage markets, as well as the author of numerous publications. Prior to joining Nationwide, David served as the Chief Economist & Strategist and Head of Risk Analytics for The PMI Group, Inc., where he was responsible for analyses and forecasts of the economy, housing, and mortgage markets; domestic/global research and planning; and strategic planning. He also acted as a PMI spokesperson on global economic topics related to housing and mortgage market conditions and policies. As head of PMI’s Portfolio Management, Analytics & Pricing Group, he was responsible for all credit analytic models and projections for the company, as well as product pricing. Prior to PMI, David was Vice President and Chief Economist for Fannie Mae, where he advised the company on national and regional economic, housing and mortgage policy and conditions, including forecasts and analyses of the economy, interest rates, and housing and mortgage finance markets.