Freddie Mac is expected to name Sam Khater, a well-regarded industry monetarist, as its new chief economist, Inside The GSEs has learned. Late this week, a Freddie spokesman declined to comment on Khater specifically, but did say the government-sponsored enterprise was in the hunt for a new chief economist after Sean Becketti, last November, vacated the post. Becketti accepted a position as vice president of portfolio analytics in Freddie’s investments and capital markets unit and remains with the GSE. “We are currently in the process of hiring a new chief economist, and will make an announcement at the appropriate time,” said the spokesman.