When Elena (Anarumo) Gallo was named to oversee nationwide government banking for Wells Fargo, she brought to the job a wealth of financial experience — and a deep connection to Wagner College.
Gallo ’90 is the granddaughter, daughter and sister of Wagner staffers and graduates. She has worked for 35 years — since her graduation with a bachelor’s in business administration — in financial services, 22 of them at Wells Fargo, before the promotion to government banking division executive.
“We’re fortunate to have someone with Elena’s leadership ability and expertise in big, complex govenment entities,” said Phillip Smith, vice chair of specialized industries, which includes government banking. “Her wealth of experience will propel our team and clients to new levels of success.”
Gallo is a native Staten Islander who attended Wagner College after graduating from Wagner High School. She fondly remembers professors Walter Rohrs and Water Kalber as having particular influence on her academic interests and ultimate career, which began at JPMorgan Chase. She joined Wells Fargo in 2003 in treasury management sales and by 2017 was Northeast regional vice president.
In her new role she works with more than 3,000 government agencies, public utilities, transportation and housing authorities in 43 states.
“I'm excited for this new challenge and leading an experienced, focused, and engaged team in service of our government banking clients nationwide,” Gallo said.
Of her Wagner College pedigree, she recounted the attendance of her father Lou Anarumo ’66, a retired Staten Island teacher, principal and basketball coach; her brother Lou Anarumo Jr. ’90 H ’23, a longtime college and pro football coach, now defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts; and her sisters Carolyn Rago ’93, a Wells Fargo branch manager, and Mary Riser ’01, a longtime marketing professional. Her mother Rosemary worked for three decades supporting the college’s humanities faculty. And her grandmother Helen Anarumo was a bookkeeper for the Wagner bookstore until she was nearly 90 years old.
Looking back over her undergraduate years and career, Gallo said, she’d offer some advice to current and future Wagner students.
“Find and cultivate mentor relationships throughout your college years and into your professional career,” she said. “Build a strong and diverse network. The best ideas, thought leadership and connectivity will serve you well throughout your career.”
