Helping executives, boards, and business leaders make smarter decisions through rigorous financial insight — delivered with clarity.
Dr. Mia Rivolta is an Associate Professor of Finance and the D.J. O'Conor Research Professor at Xavier University's Williams College of Business — and a trusted resource for business leaders who need to understand the financial forces shaping their organizations.
With a PhD in Finance from the University of Tennessee and more than a decade of experience teaching corporate finance and governance, Dr. Rivolta brings a rare combination: the analytical depth of a published academic researcher and the communication skills to make complex ideas genuinely accessible.
Her research — published in leading journals including the Journal of Corporate Finance and European Financial Management — focuses on CEO succession, corporate governance, and ESG. She has presented her findings at top global finance conferences and before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Dr. Rivolta serves on the Board of Directors of the Southern Finance Association (2024–2026) and is a Board Member of Cincinnati Retirement Services (CRS). For non-finance executives and business owners, she serves as a translator — turning the language of financial markets and governance structures into frameworks that drive better decisions.
Dr. Rivolta's peer-reviewed research appears in leading academic finance journals. Her work examines how leadership structure and governance mechanisms shape corporate outcomes — insights directly applicable to business practice.
Dr. Rivolta teaches corporate finance and governance at both the undergraduate and MBA levels at Xavier University. Her courses consistently earn high student evaluations, reflecting her commitment to making rigorous financial concepts accessible and relevant.
Dr. Rivolta has presented her research and insights to audiences ranging from academic finance conferences across three continents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. She brings that same rigor and clarity to corporate speaking engagements.
Download Dr. Rivolta’s full academic CV, including complete publication list, conference presentations, teaching record, and professional service.
Dr. Rivolta is actively engaged in professional service through board leadership, journal peer review, and conference roles. Consulting and speaking engagements are available through Xavier University's Leadership Center (XLC).
Board Member, Southern Finance Association (2024–2026). Board Member, Cincinnati Retirement Services (CRS).
Peer reviewer for: Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis (JFQA), Journal of Corporate Finance (JCF), Journal of Banking and Finance (JBF), European Financial Management, Corporate Governance: An International Review (CGIR), The Financial Review (FR), Journal of Business Research (JBR).
Session Chair: FMA Asia Annual Meeting (2024), EFMA Annual Meeting (2022), FMA Annual Meeting (2018, 2019, 2023, 2025), Eastern Financial Association (2018). Discussant at numerous leading finance conferences across North America and Europe.
Customized workshops and sessions for senior leaders, business owners, and management teams who need to read, interpret, and act on financial information — offered through Xavier University's Leadership Center.
Independent perspective on board structure, governance practices, and disclosure quality. Particularly valuable for private companies building governance frameworks or preparing for institutional investors — offered through Xavier University's Leadership Center.
Engaging, evidence-based presentations for leadership retreats, board meetings, professional associations, and corporate education programs. Topics tailored to your audience — from financial fundamentals to governance best practices.
Whether you're looking for a speaker for your next event, a workshop for your leadership team, or an academic collaboration, I'd love to hear from you. Consulting inquiries are facilitated through Xavier University's Leadership Center.