Lisa Parsons is a Consultant with The Search & Consulting Group.

Lisa Parsons brings more than three decades of independent school experience to her work as a Consultant with Carney Sandoe & Associates’ Search & Consulting Group, which she joined in 2017. Prior to CS&A, Lisa served as a consultant with Spencer Stuart where she developed expertise in senior leadership that she has since brought to bear on the unique demands of independent school search.

Before transitioning to search work, Lisa built a distinguished career in independent school admissions and community life, spending 30 years living and working on the campuses of several New England boarding schools. She held admissions and advising roles at Phillips Exeter Academy (NH), The Groton School (MA), and Loomis Chaffee School (CT), and began her career in the Development Office at Harvard University. Across those years, she also took on a broad range of co-curricular and institutional leadership responsibilities — including Director of the Annual Fund, Head Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach, college counselor, Student Council advisor, and dorm resident — reflecting the full-community commitment that defines Lisa.

Since joining CS&A, Lisa has led and supported a wide range of head of school and senior administrator searches. A selection of school clients she has served includes Deerfield Academy (MA), St. George’s School (RI), Kent School (CT), IMG Academy (FL), and Jackson Hole Community School (WY) among others. She has also supported numerous Dean of Enrollment and Senior Administrative searches for boarding and day schools across the country.

Lisa approaches each search with a commitment to understanding the culture, challenges, and aspirations of each school community. She works closely with search committees to identify leaders who are not only well-suited to a school’s immediate needs, but who are also deeply responsive to its spirit and long-term vision. In parallel, she maintains a broad and growing network of exceptional educators whom she actively mentors and prepares for leadership transitions.

Lisa graduated from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Political Science. She was inducted into the Connecticut Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2016 and continues to coach at the club and regional levels. Outside of work, she enjoys running, skiing, and spending time with her family.