Iona University Alumnus Drives Clean Tech Solutions, Supports Next Generation of Gaels
“Iona played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey, and I’m grateful for the education and opportunities it provided.”
Iona University alumnus Damien Semel-DeFeo ’96, J.D., is an entrepreneur, sales leader and former attorney with a diverse career spanning law, sales leadership and clean technology innovation. Today, as co-founder and CEO of Cool Down, he has spearheaded the development and commercialization of patented clean tech solutions in the HVAC industry, with a focus on scaling innovative technologies and expanding market access in the energy efficiency sector.
Semel-DeFeo graduated from Iona with a degree in political science and a pre-law minor, actively shaping his path through leadership in both the political science and pre-law clubs. He began his career practicing litigation before transitioning into sales and business development in the HVAC and renewable energy sector.
“Iona played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey, and I’m grateful for the education and opportunities it provided,” he said. “Giving back allows me to support the next generation of students, helping them navigate their own paths and achieve their goals.”
Damien’s Career Advice & Iona Experience
What advice do you have for Iona students?
Sometimes, you encounter something that shifts your perspective on what’s possible—whether it’s a breakthrough technology, a change in the world, or even something that's been around forever but you just saw it for the first time. When that happens, take a moment to consider the opportunities it presents.
What do you love most about what you’re currently doing?
What I love most about my work is seeing its lasting impact—knowing that the solutions I've developed are continuously reducing pollution and reducing the use of resources while helping customers save money. The cumulative effect of these efforts grows every day, making a tangible difference for both individuals and the environment.
How did Iona prepare you for where you are today, personally and professionally?
Iona provided me with a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication—skills that have been invaluable throughout my career. The rigorous academic environment and close-knit community encouraged me to challenge ideas, engage in meaningful discussions and develop the confidence to lead. Whether in law, sales or entrepreneurship, the ability to analyze complex issues and articulate solutions has been key to my success. I value staying connected to the Iona community, contributing to its growth and ensuring that future students have access to the same enriching experiences that shaped my own success.
What’s your fondest Iona memory?
One of my best experiences at Iona was a class led by Dr. Monica Bauer, where a select group of political science students engaged in deep discussions and debates that were recorded as the foundation for a political science textbook. The highlight was traveling to Washington, D.C., where we met members of Congress, a senator, lobbyists and other political figures. The experience gave me firsthand insight into policymaking and reinforced my passion for law, debate and critical discourse.
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 5 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2024.” Iona also offers a fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, which is now principally located on Iona’s Bronxville campus in collaboration with one of the nation’s top hospitals. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.