Jess Roberson
Jess is a Senior Associate with the Search & Consulting Group and a member of the Catholic Schools Practice.
Previous Experience
Jess has devoted her career to supporting schools, beginning at ConnectEdu, a Boston-based education startup, before transitioning to direct student and family work as a member of the college counseling team at Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge, MA). When she moved to Memphis in 2009, she joined Hutchison School's college counseling team, where she guided students through the college selection process, led admission workshops, and collaborated with area schools on college fairs and experiential learning programs. Beyond the school setting, she has worked as an independent college consultant over the years. Throughout her career, she has found great fulfillment in mentoring students through athletics, coaching field hockey and lacrosse over the past 20 years.
Her shift from student-facing to leadership-focused work has given Jess a unique perspective on what makes schools thrive—understanding both the day-to-day experiences that matter to school communities and the strategic vision required of effective school leaders. Since joining Carney Sandoe in 2020, she has partnered with schools nationwide in leadership searches, working with traditional co-ed K-12 independent schools as well as more specialized profiles, including tuition-free schools, all-girls middle schools, Catholic high schools, elementary Catholic school districts, and schools offering both single-gender and co-ed learning environments.
Jess brings her counselor's instinct for understanding people and fit to her search work, partnering closely with schools to understand not just what they need on paper, but what kind of leader will truly connect with their students, families, and mission. She finds great satisfaction in helping schools identify leaders who will best serve their specific community and population while aligning with their core values.
Education & Interests
Jess received her B.A. in Art History from the University of Virginia, where she played club field hockey. Her formative experiences as a student-athlete at Dana Hall School and Middlesex School deeply influenced her approach to education and mentorship. Born and raised in the Northeast but having made Memphis her home for over 15 years, she brings a broadened perspective on different educational cultures and communities, enriching her understanding of diverse school needs and priorities.
Outside of work, Jess supports her three children through school volunteering and coaching her daughter's lacrosse team. She also enjoys walking her dog, playing tennis, and practicing yoga.