Leo M. Cherne (1912–1999) was an American economist, public servant, and four-decade head of the International Rescue Committee.

This venture grew into the Research Institute of America (RIA), founded to translate complex government legislation for the businessman.

[1] In 1947, Cherne, as executive secretary of the RIA, had Academy Films make a 30-minute counter-attacking movie called Crossroads for America.

[4] At a press conference on 1 October 1947, Cherne presented his film by claiming, "Avoidance of another major depression by steadily increasing productivity is the surest means to thwart Communist designs against the American economic and social system.

"[3] Cherne also claimed that the film showed "methods whereby American business concerns can counteract Communist influence on rank-and-file workers by supplying them with truthful statements.

[citation needed] Cherne advised nine presidents by serving as a member of the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board from 1973 to 1991.

[8] Cherne may have been the actual source of a popular quotation, often misattributed to Albert Einstein: "The computer is incredibly fast, accurate, and stupid.