Recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Leader Award

Rohan Williamson is an internationally-respected scholar in finance, specializing in risk management, financial services, international finance, corporate governance, corporate liquidity, and the importance of culture on finance and economic decisions. He is a research Associate at the National Bureau for Economic Research; a private, nonpartisan organization that facilitates cutting-edge investigation of major economic issues and disseminates research findings to academics, public and private-sector decision-makers, and the public. His research and work provide significant insights on the intersections among real-world corporate finance issues, academic research, and policy. He has received several prestigious awards for research, leadership, and career achievement.   

Beyond his academic work, Professor Williamson has continued to serve in various leadership positions over his career at Georgetown. He was Vice Provost for Education; responsible for academic affairs while overseeing  approximately 6,700 undergraduate and 9,000 graduate students. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives to navigate myriad challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He presided over core curriculum audits, expanded co-curricular opportunities, and created a unique summer academic program to engage students. Professor Williamson has also served as the Interim Dean of the McDonough School of Business and a member of the MSB Academic Leadership Council. He currently serves on the Internal Advisory Committee for the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University. He has served as the VP of Global Services for the Financial Management Association, is currently, the Chairman of the Committee on Racial Diversity for the American Finance Association, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Western Finance Association.  

Along with academic and leadership roles, he has consulted for law firms, corporations, and government agencies. He also has served on boards for several corporations, and is on the Finance Advisory Board of the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Professor Williamson is the founder and former Chairman of the Board of the UNITY Youth Development, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that has impacted the lives of over 2,000 youth through scholastic, cultural, and recreational activities in Silver Spring, MD and surrounding communities. Prior to his academic career, he was an Aircraft Research Engineer for Lockheed Corporation before moving to Chrysler Corporation as an analyst and manager in the department of the Chief Financial Officer.

Professor Williamson received his Ph.D. and master’s degree from The Ohio State University, an MBA from Atlanta University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton. He received both the University Pace Setters Award and the Thaddeus Spratlen Alumni of Color Distinguished Educator Award from The Ohio State University. He is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society. He is the parent of two Georgetown graduates, Classes of 2014 and 2018.