Michele Havens

Based in Los Angeles, Michele is Head of the U.S. Private Wealth in the Wealth Management group for BMO, the 8^th largest bank in North America with $1.29 trillion in assets.  BMO Private Wealth today is comprised of 1,200 employees with offices in 36 of the 50 states. In this position she is responsible for leading the company’s U.S. Wealth Management business including family office, investment management, trust, estate, private and business banking business. She and her team work with high-net-worth families and their related charitable entities, bringing an uncompromising focus on clients. In addition, she is a member of the BMO U.S. Management Committee.

While at Northern Trust for 24 years, Michele advised CEOs and ultra-high net worth individuals on their banking, asset management, fiduciary and planning needs. As an Executive Vice President and member of the Wealth Management Executive Committee, Michele participated in setting overall strategy for the firm. Since assumed responsibility for the Western United States in 2019. During her leadership the West Region was delivering historic levels of growth. This success was achieved by elevating the long-term operating performance of teams by focusing on talent management, effective collaboration, and a passionate drive for excellence. Michele draws from experiences and expertise acquired as a senior banking, wealth management and financial services executive at respected publicly traded financial institutions.  Michele began her career in New York with JP Morgan where her career as a Portfolio Manager began.

Michele has chaired nonprofit boards and several committees. She currently serves as a director of two nonprofit boards the UCLA Anderson School of Management Board of Advisors and the Marymount High School Board of Trustees and various Finance and Investment Committees. Michele is an active member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) of Los Angles where she has chaired the Membership Committee. She has served as board chair and President and led organizations through growth and transformation, including multiple CEO successions. She is a recent Past President of the Jonathan Club serving on the board from 2017 - 2023. She is a former member of the St. Matthews Parish School Board of Trustees.  She remains active with the Los Angeles CEO Council and Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles Women in Leadership Group, and the National Charity League – Los Angeles where she serves as secretary.   Prior activities include the United Way of Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors, the LA Legends Club, Vistage International, and Woodland Park Zoo Board of Directors

Michele holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and marketing from Boston College and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.  Michele attends the Harvard Business School’s Post Graduate Executive Education Program for members of Young Presidents Organization and is completing her seventh year in a nine-year executive education program.  

Michele holds a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation. She was awarded the Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award in 2010.  In 2013, Michele received nominations by the Los Angeles Business Journal for the Women Making a Difference Awards and was honored by the Century City Chamber of Commerce for the Women of Achievement award. She has also been recognized by the LABJ as a Top Women in Banking, Banking and Finance Visionary, Woman of Influence in Banking, and as one of the 500 most influential people in Los Angeles.

Michele and her husband, Schuyler, have a daughter, Summer and a son, Devon. They live in the Pacific Palisades, CA. Michele and Schuyler have been happily married for 23 years, always with a golden retriever in the home.  Together they enjoy golfing, skiing, fitness, and family gatherings at their new beach home in Watch Hill, RI.