MEET THE TEAM
Lorcan Barnes, President | Owner
Lorcan brings more than 24 years as a successful nonprofit President & CEO to his role as President of LCG. He has extensive experience in fundraising, board development, volunteer motivation, strategic planning, organizational leadership, fiscal responsibility, human resources, and facilities management.
Prior to purchasing LCG in July 2020, Lorcan served as President & CEO of Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento for 16 years. Throughout his career in education, Lorcan worked tirelessly to provide outstanding values-based education while keeping tuition affordable. He raised more than $50 million to provide educational access to low-income students, improve facilities, grow endowments, and provide competitive employee compensation.
He holds a B.A. in Sociology from Loyola Marymount University and an M.B.A. from Woodbury University in Los Angeles. Lorcan lives in Sacramento with his wife, Patti. They are the proud parents of three grown sons.
Sonia Armas, Director of Operations and Client Services
Sonia supports LCG’s staff to advance the standards and practice of effective management and philanthropy among the clients we serve. She joined LCG with over 15 years of experience in client management and support. Throughout her career, Sonia has worked with organizations across a wide range of industries – from network storage technology and manufactured homes, to key account sales. No matter which hat she’s wearing, her goal has been simple – to empower clients and organizations to drive measurable results while improving operational processes.
Sonia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication Studies from California State University, Chico. She also holds a certification in Project Management from California State University, Sacramento. In her spare time, Sonia enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
Denise Jones, Executive Leadership Consultant
Denise Jones is well positioned to provide the necessary leadership and thought partnership to businesses and organizations in need of developing their executive teams. She can help strengthen internal and external stakeholder relationships and create roadmaps of productivity through creative strategic planning and root cause analysis. In addition, she has direct experience with complex human resources issues, executive coaching, business development and fundraising.
Her professional work has focused in three primary arenas: healthcare, education, and non-profits. Denise has served as President/CEO of a private secondary school and Foundation Director. She served as Development Director for a national non-profit, as well as the Director of Pediatric Services for a regional children's hospital. In all her roles, Denise has left behind an impressive list of measured accomplishments, a reputation that has created a demand for her consultation and partnership.
Denise obtained her B.S. in Nursing from the University of Portland which launched her successful 35-year career in healthcare, education and non-profit leadership. She and her husband, Peter, are life-long residents of Portland, Oregon, parents of three grown children and grandparents of four grandchildren.
Phil Kohlmetz, Adjunct Consultant
Phil has focused his entire career on strengthening not-for-profit, public benefit organizations, most notably as Executive Director of the Western Railway Museum in Solano County, Executive Director of the Napa Valley Museum, and as a long-time Board member and Past President of the California Association of Museums.
Trained in both psychology and sociology, and with an Executive Certificate of Public Leadership from Harvard's Kennedy School, he practices Public Narrative, experience design, and humor.
Myra Makelim, Human Resources Consultant
Myra Makelim provides human resources services to LCG, including Bias-in-Hiring training for LCG’s nonprofit clients involved in executive searches.
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Myra has been working in Human Resources Management for over two decades, with nearly half of that time spent engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Myra has extensive work in education, including nonprofit/private secondary, public K-12, and collegiate settings.
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She earned a B.A. and an M.B.A. in Human Resources Management from California State University, Sacramento, holds two senior-level HR certifications (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) and a certification in Inclusive Workforce Cultures from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Courtney Kassakhian, Executive Search Consultant
Courtney Kassakhian joined the LCG team in January 2023. She is a veteran educator and school administrator. Courtney has been a high school teacher, coach, and admissions director and has served as a private school principal in both K-8 and high school settings.
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An experienced team leader, Courtney understands the importance of engaging with multiple stakeholders. She is also a public relations specialist with experience in mission-centered and crisis communications.
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Courtney earned her B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Southern California and an M.A. in School Administration from Loyola Marymount University.
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Courtney lives in Glendale, California and serves on the Board of Trustees for a private school in the San Fernando Valley. She is the mother of a school-aged child and is active in the local PTA and a den leader for BSA (Boys Scouts of America.)
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Theresa Rodgers, Executive Search Consultant
Theresa Rodgers brings 28 years of experience to the LCG team, previously serving in a variety of roles in education including teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She recently served as the President/CEO of a large girls’ Catholic high school. Her experience in both public, private, and parochial settings gives her a unique perspective on leadership in education. Theresa has deep experience leading teams and understanding school operations, from curriculum to community relations to fundraising, all while working toward advancing mission and making schools more accessible for students from a multitude of backgrounds.
Theresa earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Journalism from the University of La Verne and an M.A. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley. She earned a Master Catechist Credential from the Diocese of Oakland and is active in her parish leading a women’s ministry.
Theresa lives in Carmichael, California, and is a stepmother to two grown boys and grandma to two beautiful girls.
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