Our People
A team of strategists, scholars, and institution-builders united by a commitment to ideas that matter.
Chad Thevenot
Founding Partner and Managing Director
Strategic education and nonprofit leader with 30+ years advancing mission-driven organizations. Previously SVP for Advancement at University of Austin (UATX) and Executive Director at Institute for Humane Studies. Expertise in strategy, philanthropy, and public engagement.
Dr. Pano Kanelos
Founding Partner
Nationally recognized academic leader advising on institutional growth and transformation. Founded and led University of Austin; served as President of St. John's College. Recipient of the Courage in Education Award and Hero of Intellectual Freedom Award.
June Arunga
Strategic Advisor
Legal strategist and systems builder across infrastructure, technology, media, and civic sectors. Advises on landscape analysis, roadmap development, stakeholder coordination, and implementation in complex institutional contexts.
Meg Court
Client Relationship Manager
Operations and development professional who cares deeply about helping mission-driven organizations grow with clarity and purpose. Helped build the University of Austin (UATX)'s advancement operations during the institution's founding years. Brings a collaborative, people-centered approach rooted in theater and storytelling.
Kéyah Doering
Operations Consultant
Development and operations professional supporting mission-driven organizations. King's College NYC graduate. Built UATX's development infrastructure as its first non-leadership hire.
Will Harwood
Strategic Advisor
15+ years in international communications and public affairs. Former Head of Communications at Lidl US, generating $500M+ in earned media. Expertise in media relations, crisis communications, and strategic storytelling.
Lindsey Lawrence
Director of Community Strategy
Builds and scales ventures that advance a free and flourishing society. Expanded the national leadership network at Teneo, served as executive director of the Arena Hall Foundation, and co-founded Arena Hall, Inc., a forthcoming private club for Austin's founders, investors, and builders.
Mary Miller
Strategic Advisor
Principal of Consortio Advising providing philanthropy and nonprofit consulting. Raised millions for national organizations and launched donor-led philanthropic initiatives. Expertise spans public policy, criminal justice reform, and K-12 and higher education.
Asra Nadeem
Advisor
CEO of DraperU and Partner at DraperU Ventures investing in frontier tech — AI, aerospace, defense. Led investments in 57+ companies including three unicorns. Collaborates with 60+ governments on innovation and job creation.
Gerry O'Sullivan
Senior Advisor, Accreditation
30+ years in independent higher education across faculty, provost, and consultant roles. Extensive accreditation experience including authoring reports and serving agencies. Led start-ups, mergers, and program development with deep budgeting and compliance expertise.