Steven Nigro ‘82 Returns to Massry as Executive in Residence
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 17, 2026) — The Massry School of Business at the University at Albany recently welcomed alum Steven Nigro ’82, back to campus as part of the Executive in Residence program. Nigro has built a career over 35 years in financial, operational, regulatory and transactional roles in the banking, securities and insurance industries. He founded and now leads TAG Financial Institutions Group, in New York City and Miami, as managing partner. But professional success is only one part of his story.
From Accounting Student to Managing Partner
Nigro began his journey at UAlbany as an accounting major at what is now the Massry School of Business. During his February visit, he reflected on his time as a student and what brought him to campus.
“At the time, the business school had the best rate of students passing the CPA exam and getting into the Big Eight accounting firms. When I arrived on campus, I thought there were only eight accounting firms in the world. There was no consideration that you could do anything other than go to the Big Eight,” Nigro quipped. “You have to work pretty hard to make it at one of those firms. It was obvious that if I wanted to be a CPA, I could come to UAlbany and do exactly that.”
Engaging with the Next Generation
During his visit, Nigro spent his day immersed in campus life. He toured the campus with current Massry student and Purple and Gold Ambassador Vienna Wiseman, gaining insight into today’s student experience and how the campus has evolved since he graduated.
He also met with members of the business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, for candid conversations about career pathways and professional development.
Nigro had two formal speaking engagements during his visit. In Professor David Smith’s Money & Capital Markets class, he connected classroom theory to real-world financial markets, offering practical examples drawn from his extensive experience. Later, he addressed the University at Albany Student Business Investment Group (UASBIG), sharing insights into the financial industry and how careers are shaped after graduation.
Leadership Beyond the Office
Nigro’s discipline was not forged only in classrooms and boardrooms. It was also shaped in a boxing ring.
“There was a gym in Albany that used to put on amateur boxing nights. You could volunteer to box and people came to watch. It took a lot of guts. I loved it. Boxing has always been my favorite sport, and my passion for it took off in Albany. It was here that I took the plunge to say I’m going to go out in front of people and I’m going to box.”
He spoke candidly about how the sport shaped his mindset and leadership approach.
“If you look at being prepared, being persistent, being disciplined — all the traits that I use to be an investment banker — are also important in boxing,” Nigro explained. “Showing up every day, being prepared, having a strategy, being able to pivot, it is the same in both areas.”
Nirgo integrated boxing into his family life through workouts with his wife and sons, which eventually evolved into a philanthropic mission. Nigro sponsors boxers and supports local boxing gyms, investing in programs that provide structure, mentorship and opportunity for young people.
“So, we were boxing as a family, and it grew into our charity called Tu Lucha Rising — which means ‘your struggle’ in Spanish. Tu Lucha gets inner-city, underprivileged kids from the school into a gym to keep them safe. We’re passionate about it. We do it as a family in business.”
But for Nigro, the measure of success is not wins.
“If we can only change one life, it would be worth it,” he said.
The Impact of Executive in Residence
Nigro’s visit highlights the strength of the Massry alumni network and the school’s commitment to experiential learning. Programs like Executive in Residence bridge the gap between theory and practice, reinforcing the value of a Massry education long after graduation. His return to campus serves as inspiration and affirmation for Massry students that the foundation built here can lead to extraordinary professional achievement, and those who succeed often come back to help others do the same. Nigro is a leader who has built an impressive career and remains deeply committed to giving back, embodying the program’s spirit.