At GradBridge, we are passionate about removing financial barriers to Higher Education.
Our Mission.
Our Mission.
At GradBridge, our mission is to provide innovative second-look financing solutions that enable students to overcome financial barriers and continue their education. We are dedicated to helping students who are determined to succeed, offering them the resources and support needed to achieve their academic goals and build brighter futures through responsible and accessible lending.
Our Purpose.
The purpose of GradBridge is to create opportunities for students who have been turned down by traditional lenders. By addressing financial obstacles and offering a path forward, we empower students to stay on track with their education, unlocking their potential and shaping a better future for themselves and their communities.
Our Story.
GradBridge was founded by a team with deep experience in traditional student lending and a personal understanding of the challenges students face. Having worked at leading student loan companies, we’ve seen firsthand how financing can be the deciding factor between a student continuing their education or having to put their dreams on hold. As parents of college-age students ourselves, we know the value of higher education and the impact it has on shaping brighter futures.
We started GradBridge with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide a second chance for students who fall just outside traditional lending criteria. We realized there was a critical gap in the market for those determined to succeed but held back by financial obstacles. That’s why we built GradBridge—to bridge the gap and help students stay on the path to achieving their goals.
At GradBridge, we are more than just a lender—we are a trusted partner. We measure our success by the success of our customers. From flexible financing options to personalized support, we are committed to empowering students and their families. Together, we’re building brighter futures, one second chance at a time.
Our Leadership Team.
Jen O'Donald
Chief Executive Officer
Jen O'Donald
Chief Executive Officer
Jen is a seasoned financial services executive with over 25 years of experience in consumer credit, analytics, and student lending.
As an executive at Sallie Mae, she led product, marketing, business development and analytics. Jen launched new credit products at large companies and early-stage startups and built a consulting practice helping companies launch new revenue generating products.
As both a former student lending leader and a parent of college-aged kids, Jen founded GradBridge to solve a critical gap in the market: helping capable students access the funding they need to graduate and succeed.
Brian Carp
Chief Financial Officer
Brian Carp
Chief Financial Officer
Brian brings more than 25 years of experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence.
He has held senior roles at both startups and public companies, including Head of FP&A at Sallie Mae and CFO/COO at Maergo. Known for his ability to connect financial strategy with execution, Brian has helped organizations drive growth and improve performance.
As a parent of college-aged children, he’s deeply connected to GradBridge’s mission and is passionate about creating solutions that help students stay on track and reach their potential.
Lisa Kaplan
Chief Operating Officer
Lisa Kaplan
Chief Operating Officer
Lisa Kaplan has over 20 years in the student lending and financial services business. She was the VP of Product Operations for Sallie Mae for almost 15 years and most recently a member of the Executive Leadership team at MPOWER Financing overseeing Product and University Relations.
She has also been a management consultant, professor and strategic advisor at several startups.
She holds an MBA in Marketing from George Washington University and a BS in Computer Science from Binghamton University.
Our Strategic Advisors.
Paul Thome
Executive Advisor
Our Values.
Access with Integrity
We believe every capable student deserves the opportunity to finish their education. We expand access while maintaining a disciplined, responsible approach to lending.
Student - First Solutions
Our borrowers aren’t just loan applicants — they’re future graduates. Every decision we make is guided by one goal: helping students succeed academically, financially, and in life beyond school.
Built on Trust
From our lender partnerships to how we treat our customers, we’re committed to earning and keeping trust. With transparent practices, and a long-term view, we aim to be a partner you can count on.
Our Partners.
