Kristy Sampieri ’04, MBA ’06

Dr. Kristy L. Sampieri is a trailblazing financial executive whose career spans nearly two decades across Wall Street and municipal finance. As the current Controller for the City of New Haven, she commands oversight of a $600M+ public financial ecosystem, championing fiscal integrity, transparency, and innovation. Her leadership influences strategic decision-making at the highest levels, from risk mitigation to capital planning, across multiple governance boards. Before stepping into public service, Kristy served 18 years with Merrill Lynch, helping lead a private wealth team that managed $5.6 billion in assets for ultra-high-net-worth families. A dynamic force in investment strategy, client relations, and technology integration, she earned national recognition, including Merrill’s Top 500 award and the Responsible Growth Service Award. A published scholar and passionate advocate for equity in leadership, Dr. Sampieri is the author of From the Apron to the Cape: Examining the Experiences of Women Who Rose to Leadership Positions on Wall Street (ProQuest, 2018). Her research offers a powerful lens into the resilience, barriers, and breakthroughs faced by women navigating high-stakes finance. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University (2017), an MBA (2006), and a Bachelor of Science in Finance (2004) from Southern Connecticut State University. Her academic foundation supports a practical, strategic mindset that bridges theory and real-world impact. Dr. Sampieri also served as Philanthropic Chair for Merrill’s Women’s Exchange Network, aligning women’s advocacy with mentorship and succession planning. Whether managing municipal funds or mentoring the next generation of financial leaders, she brings unmatched integrity, vision, and impact. Her story is one of purpose-driven leadership, breaking barriers, and driving lasting change.