Caroline Erisman brings a depth of leadership experience shaped by decades of work in independent schools, most notably in girls’ education. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Cornelia Connelly Center (NY) from 2017 to 2022, a tuition-free Catholic institution committed to championing underserved girls and empowering them to realize their full potential from middle school through college graduation. In this role, Caroline guided the development of a new strategic plan, expanded mission-aligned academic and summer programming, advanced faculty compensation structures, and increased annual fundraising, all while leading the community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to her work at the Connelly Center, Caroline served as Head of School at Dana Hall School (MA) for eight years. There, she led significant institutional initiatives including major fundraising efforts for campus improvements and endowment growth, the expansion of academic programming with the addition of a fifth grade, and the creation of innovative summer and leadership programs. She also spearheaded a comprehensive branding and marketing effort that positioned Dana Hall as a leader in girls’ education, while overseeing campus planning and key facilities enhancements.

Earlier in her career, Caroline spent many years at The Hewitt School (NY), where she held several leadership roles including Associate Head of School and Director of College Counseling. Her work spanned strategic planning, admissions, faculty hiring, and program development, alongside her role as a classroom teacher. She began her career teaching Latin and history and also brings early professional experience in law, having served as a law clerk in the New York State Supreme Court and as an attorney in private practice. Caroline graduated from Wellesley College, Phi Beta Kappa with her B.A. in Classical Civilization. She went on to earn her M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University, and her J.D. from New York University School of Law, where she was awarded the Vanderbilt Medal. She remains actively engaged in the independent school community through board service and leadership development work. Caroline lives in New York City with her husband.  She loves spending time with her three grown children, and she is an avid reader, sings in a choir, and participates in sprint triathlons.