Iona University Appoints Alumnus Matt Rizzetta ’05 to Board of Trustees
A longtime supporter of his alma mater, Rizzetta brings extensive experience building innovative sports, marketing and media companies
NEW ROCHELLE & BRONXVILLE, N.Y. — Iona University today proudly announced the appointment of Matt Rizzetta ’05 to its Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2026. A Mass Communications graduate and longtime supporter of his alma mater, Rizzetta brings extensive experience building innovative sports, marketing and media companies, as well as a deep commitment to Iona’s mission of faith, service and opportunity.
A graduate of Mamaroneck High School, Rizzetta earned his Bachelor of Arts from Iona in 2005 and has remained an engaged member of the Gael community. His volunteer leadership includes serving on the Hynes Institute Advisory Board, participating as a Gaels Go Further mentor and previously serving on the Iona Alumni Board of Directors, among other ongoing engagements.
“We are excited to welcome Matt to the Board of Trustees and thank him for his commitment to serve in this new capacity,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “Matt exemplifies the values at the heart of Iona—hard work, innovation and a commitment to opening doors for others. His professional expertise and his dedication to our students will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand opportunities and elevate the Iona experience.”
In September 2025, Rizzetta founded Underdog Global Partners, an innovative private equity firm that owns, operates and transforms undervalued global sports franchises. In addition to leading Underdog Global Partners, he serves as an executive producer at ESPN, president and co-owner of Napoli Basketball and president of Campobasso Football Club. Rizzetta’s journey as owner of this Italian soccer team came to life in the ESPN Original Series “Running With the Wolves,” featured alongside television stars Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa.
Previously, Rizzetta served as chairman of North Sixth Group, a family office holding company with wholly owned and minority interests across multiple sectors including real estate, media, technology, travel, and sports and entertainment. Rizzetta has also contributed his expertise to the broader marketing profession as a member of the Board of Trustees for Marketing EDGE, a nonprofit that connects students, academics and professionals to the resources and relationships they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
“Iona has played a pivotal role in my life, both personally and professionally,” Rizzetta said. “It is an honor to join the Board of Trustees and I look forward to working with President Carey, my fellow Trustees, and the entire Iona community to advance the University’s mission.”
As a Trustee, Rizzetta will help guide Iona’s strategic direction at a time of continued growth and momentum. From new academic programs and world-class facilities to a vibrant campus life and nationally ranked student outcomes, Iona is redefining what a modern, faith-based education can be. Learn more at iona.edu today.
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 over 4,000 students and an alumni base of 55,000 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 Nursing & 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 6 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 once again named Iona to its “Best Business Schools for 2025,” recognizing both its on-campus and online MBA programs. 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.