2025 Commencement

Irene Pappas is the Senior Director and head of BNY Investments Contact Centers (IMCC), which is part of the Enterprise Contact Center (ECC). IMCC is comprised of the Brokerage, Institutional and Retail Direct departments. Each is unique in both its client base and business function. Brokerage Services provides client service and operational support to BNY Investments and BNY Wealth while offering discounted services through the BNY Brokerage Services platform. Retail Direct serves as the centralized contact center for mutual fund direct shareholders. Together, these teams collaborate to service over $380 billion in assets while uniquely serving their respective clients and business functions.

Irene holds key roles within the Enterprise Contact Center, and her extensive responsibilities also include sitting on the Board of Directors and serving as President of BNY Mellon Transfer Inc., the SEC registered Transfer Agent for BNY Investments Management. Additionally, she serves as Vice President of the Bank of New York Mellon, Director for BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc., and Executive Vice President, Director, and principal for BNY Mellon Securities Corporation.

Irene has been the Executive Sponsor of the BNY Investments Mentoring program since its inception in 2001. Under her leadership, the program expanded in 2022 to include all BNY Investments employees from nine different countries, fostering growth and development across the organization.

Irene began her career at Dreyfus as an Account Executive, assisting clients with their Dreyfus accounts. During her tenure at Dreyfus, she earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University. She quickly advanced, managing Dreyfus’ first Financial Center and was later promoted to Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President. In January 2003, Irene was named President of Retail Shareholder Services and assumed the role of President of Dreyfus Transfer Inc. in December 2012.

Beyond her professional achievements, Irene is a long-standing Trustee of St. Thomas Aquinas College and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. She previously served as the Chair of the Student Development Committee, where she helped oversee and support the College’s efforts to enhance student engagement, promote inclusion and diversity, and safeguard the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has personally mentored students, hosted STACchats, and met with high school guidance counselors to help recruit the next generation of Spartans. To recognize her leadership and impact, Ms. Pappas was awarded the prestigious Aquinas Medal at the 2022 Tribute Dinner. Today, St. Thomas Aquinas College bestows on Irene Pappas the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service.