She assumes the role in September
Thunder Bay-based Katy Commisso has been announced as the Ontario Bar Association’s new president for the 2025-2026 term.
Commisso, who was previously first vice-president, will take the helm in September. She succeeds Kathryn Manning. According to the OBA, Commisso will spearhead a mandate to assist OBA members with transitions in life and law.
Commisso is a partner at Buset LLP. Her practice focuses on litigation and dispute resolution, particularly matters related to insurance. She has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario and administrative tribunals.
She joined the OBA board as chair of sections in 2021 and became second vice president in 2023. She was also part of the organization’s pro bono committee, finance committee, policy and public affairs committee, and leadership and recognition committee.
Moreover, Commisso served as the OBA representative on the e-hearings task force and Superior Court of Justice civil working group.
“I am thrilled to be representing the Northwest by stepping into this role and to be working with a fantastic board of directors including first vice president Mariam Moktar and newly selected second vice president Brenda Hollingsworth!” Commisso wrote in a LinkedIn post. “After a year full of change - including becoming a mom in October - I am motivated and ready to support members as they navigate transitions. I hope this mandate resonates with our members at a time of widespread change: in technology, in where and how we work, and in the world around us. Some changes call for the strength of this profession's collective voice to be heard loud and clear and the OBA is well-positioned to lead that work.”
Moktar, a a civil litigator at Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP, will take the presidency in 2026. Hollingsworth, who was elected second vice president last Friday June 20, will succeed Moktar in 2027. Based in Ottawa, Hollingsworth is the OBA board’s East Region representative. She has been a litigator for 28 years and is the co-founder of Auger Hollingsworth.
Commisso’s predecessor Manning will remain on the board as immediate past-president. The other members of the OBA board for 2025-2026 include:
