Summer Takes Brookings Post, But Still Remains on Presidential Short List

Outgoing Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers has accepted a job at the Brookings Institute, the think tank announced this week, but his new job will not remove him from consideration for the Harvard presidency.

Summers' contract is more open-ended to allow him flexibility to take on other posts and will not prevent him from taking over from President Neil L. Rudenstine in June if he is selected.

Summers has been appointed the Arthur Okun Distinguished Fellow in Economics, Globalization and Governance at the Brookings Institute, one of the nation's preeminent liberal think tanks.

Robert Litan, the director of Brookings' economic studies program who recruited Summers to the institute, said Brookings understands Summers may leave the institute for another post.

"We have an understanding that he will continue to be open to other offers," Litan said. "We'll take it one day at a time."

"We know he's a leading candidate for the Harvard presidency, as well as someone any number of Wall Street companies would love to get their hands on," added Litan, who said he had not discussed Summer's presidential prospects with him.

Instead of the standard yearlong appointment that the institute normally grants, Summers' post is completely open-ended, Litan said, designed with the understanding that he is unsure of his long-term plans.

"If he were to be chosen [as Harvard president] he's not under any contractual obligation--there would be no hindrance to him leaving," added Ron Nessen, Brookings' vice president for communication.

Nessen said while some fellows remain at the institute for years, others stay for only a few months.

"It's not uncommon for people to come and go," he said.

Litan said Summers will probably stay at Brookings for at least six months, a commitment that would still allow him to become University president when President Rudenstine officially resigns in June.

When fellows come to Brookings for short stays it is usually to write books or papers, Nessen said.

But Summers does not appear to have a specific agenda worked out.

"He's going to be doing a combination of things: recharging his interest in academics, speaking assignments and some of his own personal consulting," Litan said.

"Larry has made it very clear he wants to sit and think what he wants to do next," he added.

Michelle A. Smith, a Treasury Department spokesperson, wrote in an e-mail message that Summers "has indicated an interest in thinking about his experiences in the administration, considering current economic issues and contemplating his future."

A university presidency would be a logical step for a Brookings fellow, Nessen said.

"It would not be surprising for someone to go from Brookings to a university presidency," Nessen said.

Smith declined to say whether Summers is still a candidate for the Harvard job.

But think tanks are often a first step for government officials after they leave public service, said Elaine C. Kamarck, a lecturer at the Kennedy School of Government and a former Clinton administration official.

--Staff writer David H. Gellis can be reached at gellis@fas.harvard.edu.