Berkeley Carroll School proudly announces that Head of School Lisa Yvette Waller has been appointed to two prominent leadership positions within New York’s independent school community. Effective July 1, 2025, Dr. Waller now serves as President of the Guild of Independent Schools in New York City and Vice President of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Board of Trustees.

In addition to these roles, Dr. Waller continues her service as a Commissioner for the NYSAIS Board of Accreditors, helping to guide accreditation processes that uphold educational standards and strengthen independent schools across New York State.

Dr. Waller’s career in New York City independent schools spans more than 30 years. Prior to joining Berkeley Carroll in 2019, she spent 24 years at The Dalton School, where she served in a range of leadership roles. She currently serves as a board member at The Spence School, Oberlin College, and GO Project. Dr. Waller holds a Ph.D. in History from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College.

“I am honored to serve alongside my colleagues across New York City and State in support of vibrant, mission-driven independent schools,” said Dr. Waller. “These leadership roles reflect Berkeley Carroll’s own dedication to educational excellence and equity, and I look forward to contributing to our schools’ shared work in these areas.”

Representatives from both organizations shared their congratulations:

“I am so thrilled to ‘pass the torch’ of the Guild leadership to Dr. Waller,” said Matthew Stuart, former President of the Guild of Independent Schools in New York City. “This organization provides the important role of collegiality needed amongst the Heads of NYC independent schools, and Dr. Waller's intelligence and insight about leadership, as well as her understanding of both the joys and the challenges of being a head of school, will be a gift to her NYC colleagues.”

“Dr. Waller is a leading thinker among independent school heads in New York State,” said Vince Watchorn, executive director of NYSAIS. “NYSAIS will benefit meaningfully from having this genuine intellectual on our governance leadership team. Her keen understanding of the complexities in today's educational landscape and the historical framework for how we have arrived at our current moment make her an ideal thought partner.”

Through her service on both the Guild and NYSAIS boards, Dr. Waller will help shape policies, initiatives, and collaborations that benefit independent school communities both locally and statewide.