He steps in the role on February 23
Former Ontario premier chief of staff Tom Teahen has been announced as the Law Society of Ontario’s new chief executive officer.
He steps into the role on February 23, taking over for acting CEO Priya Bhatia. Teahen will supervise over 500 staff and guide the legal regulator’s operations, strategic priorities, and key initiatives.
LSO treasurer Peter C. Wardle, who made an announcement, highlighted Teahen’s “depth of experience in governance, operational excellence and stakeholder engagement” as qualities that made him fit for the leadership role. Teahen was chosen for the position based on the chief executive officer selection committee’s recommendation to the LSO board following a comprehensive recruitment process.
As chief of staff to the Ontario premier from 2013 to 2015, Teahen progressed policy and operational reforms and helped develop the government’s fiscal plan and budget. He also once served as chief of staff to Ontario’s labour and education ministers, according to LinkedIn.
He was the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s chief corporate services officer from 2010 to 2013 before rising to the leadership as president and CEO in 2016. Most recently, he was the senior vice president of advanced fuels at multinational renewable fuels and ethanol producer Greenfield Global.
“It is an honour to be appointed chief executive officer of the Law Society of Ontario. The privilege of professional self-regulation depends on public trust, transparency and a clear focus on the public interest,” Teahen said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Convocation, employees and stakeholders to strengthen governance, support the professions and ensure the Law Society continues to serve the people of Ontario with integrity, fairness and accountability.”
Last year, the LSO was embroiled in a significant controversy after former CEO Diana Miles got a considerable increase in pay without the knowledge or approval of Convocation. Former Ontario associate chief justice Dennis O'Connor led the investigation into the matter.
