Meet Lisa

Lisa Berg, Founder of Gold Key Admissions, brings deep expertise in selective college admissions, student mentorship, and strategic leadership to her work with families. A former financial services executive, Lisa spent nearly two decades leading global initiatives at top-tier firms including JPMorgan and Prudential Financial. Through her corporate experience, she honed her ability to manage complex projects and navigate high-stakes decisions—skills she now channels into guiding students through the admissions landscape with clarity and focus.

Lisa’s commitment to education extends well beyond her professional pivot. She has served as a Cornell University alumni admissions interviewer and was a member of Cornell's CALS Alumni Association Board, where she led engagement and outreach initiatives. She has also contributed to strategic planning and advisory efforts at The Dalton School, the GO Project, and the Renew Democracy Initiative. 

Prior to launching her own practice in early 2026, Lisa served as Co-Director of the College Practice at Cairn Educational Consulting. Building on her insights as a Cornell alumni interviewer, she has a proven track record of guiding applicants through every phase of their high school journey. She helps younger students hone their passions through customized summer projects, partners with juniors to navigate the crucial year of test prep and list development, and helps seniors execute a strategic application plan that clearly communicates their unique voices.

Lisa’s admissions insight is also rooted in recent personal experience. Having navigated her two sons' journeys to Yale (Class of '26) and Harvard (Class of '28), she gained a firsthand perspective on the emotional and strategic challenges families face. Her approach is thoughtful, grounded, and informed by a deep understanding of how to position students for success without losing sight of their well-being.

Lisa holds a B.S. in Communications from Cornell University and splits her time between New York City and Connecticut. Outside of work, she enjoys theater, yoga, tennis, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.