Kayla Kennelly Chief Growth Officer

Kayla Kennelly thrives on building and executing growth strategies that make a lasting impact. She plays a key role in working with the leadership team to help shape Opal’s long-term strategy, contributing to growth initiatives, and drive the development and recruitment of top-tier talent in the industry.

Before joining Opal, Kayla was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, where she was an early team member in building and scaling the RIA custody platform, playing a key role in expanding its market reach. Prior to that, she served as Head of Financial Wellness at Facet Wealth, where she launched and led a new channel in the employee benefits space. Earlier in her career, Kayla spent eight years at Pershing, where she held roles in both Business Development at Pershing Advisor Solutions—advising entrepreneurial advisors on their transition to independence—and in Prime Services, managing relationships with hedge fund clients.

“I’m energized by growth in all its forms—watching advisors hit new milestones, seeing team members thrive, and helping the firm evolve and scale. Expanding Opal’s ability to help more people is what motivates me every day.”

Kayla earned her BBA from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. Passionate about financial education and mentorship, she served as a Financial Literacy Board Member for InvestmentNews in 2019 and co-founded ‘Connect,’ Pershing’s Reverse Mentoring Program, where she had the unique opportunity to mentor industry leader and former Pershing CEO, Mark Tibergien.

Outside of work, Kayla lives in New Jersey with her husband and young daughter. She’s also the owner of a mobile beverage business and enjoys snowboarding, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.