Meet the Team

The members of the Lovins Group team bring distinct areas of expertise, which are integrated to address the needs of each client.

Donald P. Opatrny, LMFT

Principal

Don founded the Lovins Group with Alan Lovins in 2008 and continues today as Owner and President. 

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Keith Michaelson, LMFT, MBA

Principal

Keith helps families navigate major transitions in business ownership and leadership, and address difficult issues that have been creating tension and conflict in the family and holding back progress in the business.

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Ruth E. Steverlynck, LL.B(hons), FEA, FFI Fellow

Principal

Ruth’s career began as a litigator where she quickly learned that win/lose approaches are less than optimal when relationships are at the heart of what matters.

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Matthew Wesley

Principal

Matt is an internationally recognized practitioner, thought leader, and speaker on the issues facing financially successful families. With a career that spans 34 years as an estate planning attorney, family advisor, facilitator, and consultant, he helps families address the complex issues of family enterprises, legacy wealth, and collective philanthropy.

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Katie Beaven of Lovins.

Katie Beavan, Ph.D.

Principal

Katie holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of the West of England, a Masters in Coaching and Consulting for Change from INSEAD business school, and an MA in History from Cambridge University.

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Stephanie Brigandi, MBA

Master Juggler of All Important Tasks

As Master Juggler, Stephanie uses her operational, administrative, and organizational skills to support any and all needs of the Lovins Group team, which she joined in 2018.

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Matt Opatrny

Mindful Communication Guide, Wordsmith and CFO (Chief Fun Officer)

Matt is inspired by the complicated and ingenious ways that humans communicate, with and without words, and by the power of mindfulness practice to bring ease and happiness to any moment, even very challenging ones.

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Paul Ohanesian, LMFT

Principal

Paul has spent over thirty years resolving complex issues for couples and families with a mature, steady hand.

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Polina R. Crotty, CFP®

Collaborating Consultant

Polina (Po) spent nearly twenty years in the fiduciary area of the wealth management industry as a Certified Financial Planner™, where she built close relationships with clients and their advisors, supporting a client-centric, holistic approach to managing wealth.

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Amelia Renkert-Thomas

Collaborating Consultant

Amelia Renkert-Thomas is the founder and lead consultant for Renkert Thomas Consulting LLC, a consultancy focused on family enterprises – businesses, family offices, trusts, private trust companies, and foundations.

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William Cranshaw

Collaborating Consultant

Bill has spent his career working as an advisor to family-owned enterprises. He began this work at the First National Bank of Chicago (now JP Morgan Chase) where he managed the Closely Held Business Group.

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Alan H. Lovins, Ph.D.

Co-Founder, Consultant Emeritus

Alan, now retired, founded The Lovins Group with Don Opatrny after more than 20 years working as a consultant to family owned businesses.

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