Koya | Diversified Search Group partnered with Little Kids Rock on the search for a Chief Financial Officer.
Little Kids Rock encourages and enables children to play popular music by providing free music instruction and instruments to public school districts across the country.
Our work resulted in the recruitment of Will Robalino to the role.
Throughout his career, Robalino has dedicated his efforts to achieving greater equality, inclusion, and sustainability, utilizing his education and experience in finance, accounting, and leadership.
Prior to Little Kids Rock, he spent the last three years leveraging his technical and leadership skills for mission-based organizations that have a focus in education and diversity.
Growing up in an underserved area of Jersey City, New Jersey, Robalino had a teacher in middle school, Mr. G, who encouraged him to learn piano. His family could not afford a piano or keyboards for him to practice at home, so he diligently practiced after school with Mr. G to develop his skills. Mr. G also encouraged Robalino to apply to St. Peter’s Prep for his high school education, which he did, and was accepted. Robalino credits his education and career success to Mr. G who presented him with opportunities he never knew existed. In Mr. G’s memory, Will continues to give back to young people as they navigate their education and careers in hopes that he can make an impact on them, as Mr. G did for him.
Previously, Robalino led a new division at BNY Mellon as their CFO of the investment banking division and then went on to develop Prudential’s annuities business Resolution Plan as part of the Dodd Frank regulatory requirements.
Robalino also participates in philanthropy that is focused on career growth for people of color and serves on the board of Achievement First, a tri-state charter school institution which provides a quality education in over 40 schools, in mostly underserved communities.
He led the Association of Latino Professionals for America NY chapter as their President from 2011 to 2015. During his time on the executive board, the chapter grew from 1,200 members to over 3,300 members and tripled the number of corporate partners and professional development programs.
He has also served on the boards of the National Association of Black Accountants, Latinas in Business, St. Peter’s Prep and Womensphere. He is also an active member of Sponsors for Education Opportunity and frequently mentors Career Program students during the summer.
He started his career at JPMorgan in their Accounting Management Training Program.
Robalino holds a BS in Public Accounting from Pace University. He earned his MBA from New York University’s Stern Business School.