Former Visa CEO Tapped As New Iona University Board Chair

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Iona has tapped a Hudson Valley business leader for a high-ranking position.

Iona University has elected Alfred F. Kelly Jr. as chair of its Board of Trustees, with the change taking effect July 1. The New Rochelle and Bronxville-based university said Kelly, a retired executive chairman and chief executive officer of Visa, will succeed Michael P. Hegarty, who served as chair from 2022 to 2026.

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As chair, Kelly will work with President Seamus Carey, fellow trustees and university leadership on Iona's strategic plans, according to the announcement.

"I have had the privilege of working closely with Al over the past several years," Carey said. "His counsel is always thoughtful, incisive and deeply informed. Yet what impresses me most is his enduring commitment to the institutions and values that helped to shape his success."

Kelly is an Iona alumnus who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer and Information Science and an MBA from the university. According to Iona, he previously served as a trustee, rejoined the board in 2024 and originally joined the board in 1995 before being reelected multiple times to serve for 13 years.

"It is an honor to be elected chair of the Board of Trustees." Kelly said. "Iona’s mission is as relevant today as it has ever been. The University is providing students with a world-class education rooted in faith, service and opportunity while preparing graduates to lead in an increasingly complex world."

Kelly led Visa from 2016 to 2023 as CEO, became chairman of the board in 2019 and executive chairman in 2023 before retiring the following year. He spent more than two decades at American Express, later led the organization responsible for fundraising and hosting Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium, and chaired Pope Francis' 2015 visit to New York City.

Iona said Kelly recently helped shepherd the partnership between Iona University and NewYork-Presbyterian that created the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences. The university also said he and his wife, Peggy Kelly, supported development of the Kelly Center for Health Sciences on Iona's Bronxville campus.

The university used the announcement to recognize Hegarty's tenure as chair.

"Mike’s leadership and guidance have been invaluable in shaping Iona into the institution it is today," Carey said. Hegarty said, "It has been a privilege serving Iona University as both a trustee and especially as Board chair."

The transition comes as Iona has expanded academic offerings, grown its footprint in New Rochelle, Bronxville and County Mayo, Ireland, and earned recent national recognition from The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal and Forbes.

"Today, we are eager to carry this work forward as we continue to elevate the University," Carey said.