Carolyn C. Donnelly

Chief Client Engagement Officer

Carolyn Donnelly is the executive director of client initiatives for CIBC Private Wealth, with leadership of key initiatives designed to expand and deepen client relationships. She also is an active member of the CIBC Private Wealth U.S. Operating Committee. ​

Currently, Carolyn is focused on enhancing services to ultra-high net worth, multi-generational client families through CIBC Family Office. She also serves as an ambassador for these client families, as well as business owners and corporate executives, engaging CIBC experts across private wealth, banking and capital markets to provide holistic financial solutions to help fulfill their ambitions.​

Previously, Carolyn served as director of marketing and strategic priorities. During her 16-year tenure in this role, CIBC Private Wealth experienced top-quartile client retention and record growth, supported by her team’s timely, insightful communications and innovative, high-quality events. She also built the legacy Atlantic Trust brand to be recognized as a top luxury brand (The Luxury Institute, 2014) before overseeing the firm’s brand transition to CIBC Private Wealth. While under her marketing leadership, the firm earned more than 30 industry awards, becoming the most awarded firm by Private Asset Management.​

Prior to joining CIBC Private Wealth in 2005, Carolyn was a development associate for the Alexander-Tharpe Fund Inc., the fundraising arm of the Georgia Tech Athletic Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Georgia, where she graduated summa cum laude with honors, and a Master of Business Administration from the Yale School of Management (SOM), where she was recognized as a Dean's Scholar. ​

Carolyn is a former board member, marketing committee chair and current Advisory Council member of CHRIS 180, which provides children and families with high-quality, trauma-informed behavioral health services. She serves on The Carter Center’s Board of Councilors and helps lead the Parent University for Christ the King School.