Timothy Geithner is joining the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, his first public move since stepping down as U.S. Treasury Secretary last month.

The council says Geithner will become a distinguished fellow with the organization. Geithner had previously been a senior fellow with the council in 2001 after he stepped down as Treasury undersecretary for international affairs in the Clinton administration.

Council President Richard Haass said that Geithner will strengthen the organization's ability to "produce thoughtful analysis of issues at the intersection of economic, political and strategic developments."

President Obama's has nominated Jacob Lew, his chief of staff, to replace Geithner at Treasury.

- Associated Press