Dr. Justin Vélez-Hagan

Justin Vélez-Hagan (MBA, Ph.D.)

Public Policy & Business Advisor | Economist | Author | Educator | Veteran

Professional Overview: Justin Vélez-Hagan is the Managing Director of Macro Policy Advisors, a seasoned investor with Solid G Holdings, and an adjunct professor of finance at Marymount University. An accomplished author, he is also the founder of The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, where he served as its inaugural executive director and remains a senior advisor and board member. His notable publications include The Common Sense behind Basic Economics (2015), The Paradox of Fiscal Austerity (2019), and the forthcoming Capitol Gains (2025).

Professional Experience: Dr. Vélez-Hagan has collaborated with public and private sectors to advance policy priorities in high-technology, financial services, telecommunications, energy, and pharmaceuticals. His efforts have significantly impacted economic development in Puerto Rico. As a respected advisor and speaker, he engages with a diverse array of stakeholders, including federal and state officials, leading advocacy groups, major corporations, and the small business community.

Expertise and Contributions: Renowned for his expertise in international fiscal policy and the economic conditions of Puerto Rico, Dr. Vélez-Hagan has provided valuable insights to national regulators, congressional committees, and administration officials. He is also a sought-after guest lecturer at universities nationwide. Additionally, he specializes in leveraging big data for economic research, aligning research agendas with business and policy objectives, and cultivating stakeholder relationships across academia, government, and the private sector to ensure research relevance and impact on public policy and corporate strategy.

Publications and Media Presence: His work has been featured in prominent outlets like Forbes, Fox News, Politico, The Hill, and CNBC, along with numerous local publications. He has appeared on Fox News, BBC World, Fox Business, and NPR.

Previous Roles: Dr. Vélez-Hagan has served as an adjunct professor in the University System of Maryland and invested in businesses across healthcare and specialized construction products. He also ran an advisory firm in financial services, providing strategic guidance and insights. His expertise has been featured on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and NBC’s House Smarts.

Board Memberships and Advisory Roles: Dr. Vélez-Hagan has served on various boards, including the Capital Area Asset Builders, the National Military Family Association’s Technology Advisory Board, and the American Latino Veterans Association. His advisory roles extend to governors in Puerto Rico, and he actively volunteers to increase veteran representation in elected office. In 2022, he was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to join the Joint Advisory Board of Economists.

Education: Dr. Vélez-Hagan holds a BS in Finance from the University of Louisville, an MBA from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Economic Policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Personal Background: A combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, he is also a dedicated husband, father, and foster parent.

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