OBA Elects New Board

Second V-P Role Assures Continuity of Leadership

TORONTO, July 19 /CNW/ - The Ontario Bar Association (OBA) has announced the results of elections for its 2010-2011 Board of Directors. Joining incoming President Lee Akazaki is Paul Sweeny of Evans Sweeny Bordin LLP as First Vice-President. Mr. Sweeny, a native of Hamilton, Ontario was acclaimed to his position in March. Morris Chochla was elected to the newly created role of Second Vice-President. Mr. Chochla is a partner with Forbes Chochla LLP, based in Toronto.

This is the inaugural year for the position of Second Vice-President. Previously the OBA elected only one Vice-President. The addition of a second Vice-President provides continuity in the transition of leadership between incoming Presidents. The new Board of Directors will take office on August 15, 2010.

"As President of the OBA, I am pleased that our association has, this year, created the position of Second Vice President. The position will benefit all future presidents of the OBA in allowing them to "hit the ground running" when they take office because they will have had the benefit of two years of experience with the Board prior to becoming President," said OBA President Carole J. Brown. "I also want to congratulate all of the new Board of Directors, and thank them for their dedication and commitment to the OBA and the profession at large."

    
    Also elected or acclaimed are:

    -   Douglas R. Downey - Treasurer
    -   Sean M. Kennedy - Secretary
    -   Carole J. Brown - Immediate Past President
    -   Martha M. Mackinnon - Chair, Professional Development
    -   Guillermo Schible - Chair, Young Lawyers Division - Toronto
    -   Julia Lefebvre - Chair, Student Division

    Directors-at-Large

    -   Mark L. Berlin (East)
    -   Pascale Daigneault (Southwest)
    -   Edwin G. Upenieks (Central West)
    -   D. Bruce McChesney (Central East)
    -   Lisa F. Barazzutti (Northeast)
    -   Joan M. MacDonald (Central South)
    -   Peter Mrowiec (Northwest)
    -   Shelley L. Timms (Toronto)

    

Members of the Board are elected by OBA Council. They meet monthly and govern the Association when the OBA Council is not in session.

The OBA is the voice of the legal profession in Ontario. The OBA represents more than 17,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students across the province.

For further information: Jonathan Clancy, 1-800-668-8900 ext. 348