Emigrating from County Kerry in 1958, Denis Kelleher began his career in America as a messenger with Merrill Lynch, where through dynamic financial talent, he rose dramatically through the company ranks.

In 1980, Kelleher took the experience he gained at Merrill Lynch and founded Wall Street Access. Serving as the CEO, Kelleher runs the company, which is a diversified financial services organization with expertise in money management and trading for institutions and hedge funds. Billions of dollars are processed through Wall Street Access annually and it is a member of the New York Stock Exchange. That’s a big step from his first days on this side of the Atlantic.

A graduate of St. John’s University, Kelleher serves as its chairman of the board and is a board member of Independence Community Bank and The New Ireland Fund. This year, he was Grand Marshal of the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. He is married with three children and was proud to be recognized with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1995.