Elias Saleeby
Elias E. Saleeby | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | University of Dayton (BS in Accounting), Xavier University (MBA in Finance), Kent State University (DBA in Finance & Economics) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, public servant |
| Years active | 1970s–2004 |
| Known for | Former Minister of Finance of Liberia, Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia |
Elias E. Saleeby is a former banker from Liberia.
Early life
He obtained a BS in Accounting at the University of Dayton in Ohio, and later earned an MBA specializing in Finance from Xavier University located in Cincinnati. Saleeby achieved a DBA in Finance & Economics from Kent State University, where his doctoral thesis examined the functions of central banks within developing nations.
Professional career
Saleeby's career commenced as a business analyst at Xerox's corporate headquarters, followed by a short tenure at the World Bank. In 1973, responding to an invitation from President William R. Tolbert Jr. and Finance Minister Steve Tolbert, he returned to Liberia to assume leadership of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI). Established by global financial organizations in 1961 and operational since 1965, the institution was renamed in 1974. At just 31 years old, Saleeby became its youngest President and CEO. He resumed his role at the World Bank in 1980, dedicating his efforts to financial sector reforms until 1997.
Public service
From 1997 through February 1999, Saleeby held the office of Liberia's Minister of Finance. Subsequently, he was appointed Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, a position he maintained until his resignation in 2004.