Leading with Impact: Kayla Kennelly ’11 on Her Journey to the C-Suite
“What I learned at Iona , and especially through my experience on the rowing team, taught me the power of strong relationships, trust and teamwork,” said Kayla Kennelly ’11, newly appointed Chief Growth Officer at Opal Wealth Advisors. “Iona taught me the importance of collaboration, leadership and service, which continue to guide me today.”
In her new role, Kennelly leads strategic initiatives focused on brand expansion, advisor development and client experience. She credits this milestone to both Opal Wealth Advisors and Iona University, viewing this achievement as a reflection of the firm’s momentum and the strength of the network that has supported her journey.
“This is an exciting new chapter for me,” Kennelly said. “It’s the first time I’ve stepped into a true leadership role, which has been a personal goal for a long time. I’m proud to be helping build something with real impact and grateful for the people and places that helped me get here.”
Kennelly earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Iona in 2011, and has since built nearly 15 years of experience across fintech, custody and RIA advisory platforms. Before joining Opal Wealth Advisors, Kennelly was a senior business development leader at Goldman Sachs Advisor Solutions and held roles at Facet Wealth and Pershing Advisor Solutions.
With a passion for entrepreneurship and mentorship, Kennelly launched a reverse mentoring program at Pershing to connect rising talent with senior leadership, fostering cross-generational learning. She also co-led an "Adopt-a-School" financial literacy initiative alongside Pershing’s CEO, partnering with local schools to deliver hands-on financial education to underserved students.
Beyond wealth management, she and her husband are the founders of Vino on Wheels, an innovative mobile bar company serving private events across New Jersey.
Learn More about Kayla Kennelly
What do you love most about what you’re currently doing?
I love being in an entrepreneurial environment where I can have a real impact on clients' lives. Over the years, I’ve realized I thrive when I’m building something from the ground up. I’m all about creating, scaling and making a difference, and this role really lets me do that.
Why did you decide to study your particular major?
I chose to study finance because I honestly wish I had learned about money and financial decisions way earlier in life. Growing up, there were things I didn’t fully understand, and I wanted to change that for myself and for others. I’ve always liked helping people and finance felt like a way to make a real difference. Moving from Minnesota to New York was a big change, but I knew I wanted to be in the center of it all. This is where the opportunities are and I was excited to jump in and learn as much as I could.
How did Iona prepare you for where you are today?
Iona gave me a foundation that went way beyond the classroom. Being part of the Women’s Rowing team, in particular, taught me so much about teamwork, discipline and showing up for others, which still shapes how I lead and collaborate today. I also got my very first job at Pershing, which launched my career, from a career fair at Iona, which shows just how supportive and connected the community is.
What advice do you have current Iona students?
What you’re learning at Iona is important and be mindful that companies are hiring just as much for your work ethic, creativity and outside interests. If you’re smart and driven, you can be taught almost anything. So be curious, stay humble and say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Relationships will be your greatest asset, so build them with intention. And remember, how you show up matters.
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.