Dr. Vivian O. Okere is a distinguished financial expert, professor, consultant, and business strategist with over 36 years of experience in finance, risk management, and executive leadership. As a full professor of finance at Providence College, he has played an instrumental role in shaping academic and industry collaborations, spearheading innovative finance programs, and mentoring the next generation of financial professionals. With a career spanning academia, corporate finance, consulting, and international advisory roles, Dr. Okere brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, risk management, business development, and financial analysis.

Throughout his tenure as chair of the Department of Finance at Providence College, Dr. Okere transformed the department into the largest academic division in the School of Business, increasing undergraduate enrollment by over 440% and MBA finance concentration students by 125%. He founded the Student Managed Investment Fund, which grew from an initial $150,000 seed capital to a portfolio valued at over $730,000. His leadership has led to $10 million in fundraising efforts for the expansion of the Ryan School of Business, ensuring a legacy of financial literacy, industry engagement, and student success.

Beyond academia, Dr. Okere has worked with global institutions such as the World Bank, the United Nations, and Fitch Ratings. As a financial analyst at the World Bank, he was responsible for evaluating high-impact financial projects, using net present value and internal rate of return methodologies to assess investment feasibility. At Fitch Ratings, he served as senior director of credit ratings, analyzing and affirming the financial strengths of major financial guaranty companies while leading risk assessments aligned with Basel III standards.

Dr. Okere’s consulting expertise extends to executive leadership and business performance coaching through his firm, Cambridge Resource Associates. His firm provides strategic insights into competitive advantage, process improvement, risk mitigation, and corporate financial restructuring, benefiting corporations across diverse industries, including finance, manufacturing, and natural resources. His ability to align strategic planning with financial performance has earned him recognition as a trusted advisor for executives and organizations seeking sustainable growth.

As an active contributor to finance education and professional development, Dr. Okere has established partnerships with globally recognized organizations such as the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, the Association for Financial Professionals, and the Risk Management Association. He has also developed and mapped academic courses that align with industry certifications, ensuring students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and credentials to excel in investment banking, risk management, and corporate finance.

Dr. Okere’s thought leadership is evident in his extensive research contributions, with published works on capital structure, risk-return tradeoffs, environmental finance, and corporate governance. His research has been featured in respected journals such as the Journal of International Finance Studies and the Journal of Academy of Business and Economics. His ability to merge academic insight with practical industry application positions him as a leading voice in financial strategy and investment management.

His dedication to mentorship and student success is further demonstrated through his active engagement in professional associations, including the CFA Institute, the Risk Management Association of the United States, and the International Business of Economics. As an educator and consultant, Dr. Okere has mentored hundreds of finance professionals, guiding them toward impactful careers in investment banking, risk management, financial consulting, and corporate finance leadership.

Dr. Okere’s influence extends beyond finance into leadership development, executive coaching, and strategic planning. His certifications in negotiation strategies from Harvard Business School, total quality management, and six sigma cycle time reduction allow him to provide tailored solutions for businesses seeking operational efficiency and long-term profitability. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes while developing forward-thinking strategies makes him a sought-after advisor and leader.

Driven by his passion for financial empowerment, business strategy, and education, Dr. Okere continues to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that finance professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks necessary to navigate today’s complex economic environments. His work remains a testament to the power of strategic vision, disciplined execution, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Character:
Dr. Vivian O. Okere is a principled leader who upholds integrity, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of his career. His passion for mentorship, education, and ethical financial management reflects his deep sense of responsibility toward developing future industry leaders and strengthening organizations.

Knowledge:
With over 36 years of experience across academia, global finance, and corporate consulting, Dr. Okere possesses a deep understanding of financial strategy, risk management, and investment analysis. His expertise spans financial institutions, economic policy, and corporate restructuring, allowing him to provide informed insights that drive business success.

Strategic:
Dr. Okere has a proven ability to develop and implement forward-thinking strategies that enhance financial performance, improve operational efficiency, and foster sustainable growth. His leadership in academic program development, corporate finance consulting, and institutional fundraising has consistently produced transformative results.

Communication:
As a seasoned professor, consultant, and public speaker, Dr. Okere excels in translating complex financial concepts into practical knowledge that resonates with students, executives, and stakeholders. His ability to effectively engage diverse audiences has made him a sought-after thought leader in finance and business strategy.