7. Bair came close to quitting
In 2009, with the crisis easing somewhat, Bair "seriously considered stepping down, particularly as it became clear that… the new administration was going to pursue and expand the same bailout policies."
She said she ultimately decided to stay for two reasons: "First, the FDIC itself had a big job ahead of it with bank failures, which were not expected to peak until 2010. We had done so much to improve morale and our operational capabilities. Given the delicate and challenging task of closing so many banks, I did not feel I could abandon ship. It would have been unfair to the FDIC staff, all of whom were working around the clock. Second, by sticking with it, I thought I could make a difference."
