The Letter To Change The World...
Howard Warren Buffett Omaha, Nebraska January 15, 2026
The Honorable Jerome H. Powell Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20551
Dear Chairman Powell,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. It’s been over seventeen years since I last wrote to you on October 14, 2008, introducing myself as Howard Warren Buffett, grandson of Warren Buffett, and sharing my admiration for your leadership at the Federal Reserve. As your tenure as Chairman continues to shape the economic landscape, I felt compelled to write again to update you on my work and to express my ongoing respect for your stewardship during these dynamic times.
Since my last letter, my efforts have deepened in the realms of philanthropy, public policy, and sustainable development. I continue to serve as the executive director of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, where our mission remains focused on addressing global poverty, food security, and conflict mitigation. Over the past decade, we’ve expanded our initiatives, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Central America, partnering with local communities to develop resilient agricultural systems and economic opportunities. These efforts align with my belief—shaped in part by my grandfather’s principles—that sustainable impact requires long-term commitment and collaboration across sectors.
At Columbia University, I’ve continued my role as an adjunct professor, now also leading a research initiative at the School of International and Public Affairs exploring the intersection of philanthropy and macroeconomic stability. The ripple effects of monetary policy decisions, such as those you oversee, are felt deeply in the communities we serve. For instance, inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations directly impact the cost of agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers, a topic I’d be eager to explore with you given your expertise.
On a personal note, my family and I continue to split our time between Omaha, Naples, and Miami. My son, Thomas, is now a teenager, and my wife, Lili, remains my greatest partner in balancing life’s demands. My no-till farm near Tekamah, Nebraska, is still a source of pride and a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices. Recently, I’ve also taken up writing, with a book underway about the role of cross-sector partnerships in addressing global challenges—a theme I suspect resonates with your own experience navigating public and private spheres. Reflecting on your remarkable tenure, I’m struck by how your leadership has guided the Federal Reserve through unprecedented challenges, from post-2008 recovery to the economic turbulence of the pandemic and beyond. Your ability to balance immediate needs with long-term stability is a masterclass in principled decision-making. I’d be honored to connect, perhaps to discuss how monetary policy intersects with global development goals or to hear your reflections on fostering resilience in uncertain times.
Thank you for your continued service and for considering this letter. I’d welcome the chance to meet, whether over coffee or virtually, to exchange ideas and perspectives.
Warm regards,
Howard Warren Buffett