Iona University appoints alumnus Matt Rizzetta to board of trustees
Matt Rizzetta, a 2005 graduate of Iona University, has been appointed to the university’s Board of Trustees, with his term beginning July 1, 2026. Rizzetta, who studied Mass Communications at Iona and graduated from Mamaroneck High School, has maintained close ties with the university through various volunteer roles. These include serving on the Hynes Institute Advisory Board, participating as a Gaels Go Further mentor, and previously holding a position on the Iona Alumni Board of Directors.
Iona University President Seamus Carey commented on the appointment: “We are excited to welcome Matt to the Board of Trustees and thank him for his commitment to serve in this new capacity. 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.”
Rizzetta founded Underdog Global Partners in September 2025. The private equity firm focuses on acquiring and developing undervalued sports franchises worldwide. He also holds positions as executive producer at ESPN, president and co-owner of Napoli Basketball, and president of Campobasso Football Club. His ownership journey with Campobasso was featured in an ESPN Original Series titled “Running With the Wolves,” alongside Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa.
His previous roles include chairman of North Sixth Group—a family office holding company involved in sectors such as real estate, media, technology, travel, sports, and entertainment. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Trustees for Marketing EDGE, a nonprofit organization that connects students and professionals within marketing.
“Iona has played a pivotal role in my life, both personally and professionally,” said Rizzetta. “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 part of his trustee responsibilities, Rizzetta will contribute to shaping Iona’s strategic direction during a period marked by institutional growth. The university continues to introduce new academic programs and enhance campus facilities while maintaining strong student outcomes.
Founded in 1940 by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers tradition, Iona University operates campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville near New York City. The institution serves over 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds across undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, business administration (including its AACSB-accredited LaPenta School of Business), nursing & health sciences (in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian), entrepreneurship & innovation through its Hynes Institute—and offers small class sizes with engaged faculty.
Iona University recently received recognition from national rankings including The Princeton Review (“Best Business Schools for 2025”), The Wall Street Journal, Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/colleges/iona-university/?sh=13c3d2e8a6d8), U.S. News & World Report (noted for social mobility), as well as Georgetown University’s Center on Education and Workforce which ranked its degree among the top six percent nationally for long-term return on investment (https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/collegeroi2022/). In addition to its main campuses in New York State, Iona opened a campus in County Mayo, Ireland at Westport House Estate.
The institution officially changed its status from college to university on July 1, 2022.
