Michele Havens

Based in Los Angeles, Michele is Head of the U.S. Wealth Management business for BMO, the 8th largest bank in North America serving individuals, families and family offices across their investment, tax, estate, philanthropic, risk and capital needs. In addition, she is a member of the BMO U.S. Management Committee. 

Michele brings nearly 30 years of experience and expertise to her role as a senior banking, wealth management and financial services executive. Prior to joining BMO, she led the Western Region at Northern Trust where she delivered historic levels of growth. In addition, she served as Executive Vice President and member of the Wealth Management Executive Committee, where she participated in setting overall strategy for the firm. Michele began her career in New York with JP Morgan as a Portfolio Manager. 

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. In addition, Michele holds a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation.

She was recognized as a 2025 Banking & Finance Visionary by LA Times Studios and has been 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.