TORONTO – Thunder Bay lawyer Katy Commisso will be the next president of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) in September 2025, leading a mandate to help OBA members successfully navigate Transitions in Life and Law. Commisso – who is currently 1st vice-president – takes over from Kathryn Manning, who will sit on the board as immediate past-president. Mariam Moktar, a civil litigator at Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP, will become 1st vice-president, assuming the presidency in 2026.
Brenda Hollingsworth was selected as 2nd vice-president on June 20. The Ottawa lawyer will begin her role this September and take over the presidency in 2027. Hollingsworth – who is currently the East Region representative on the OBA’s Board of Directors – has been a litigator for 28 years. She started her career at a leading national firm before co-founding Auger Hollingsworth, a firm with offices across the province. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the OBA, contributing to professional development and advocacy initiatives.
In addition, some appointed positions will be filled in September.
2025-2026 OBA Board of Directors
President – Katy Commisso
1st Vice-President – Mariam Moktar
2nd Vice-President – Brenda Hollingsworth
Treasurer – Mohsen Seddigh
Secretary – Melanie Webb
Immediate Past-President – Kathryn Manning
Chair of Professional Development – Mirilyn Sharp
Chair of Sections – Dante Capannelli
Regional Lead – Central East – Julie Layne
Regional Lead – Central South – Pamela Krauss
Regional Lead – Central West – Kavita Bhagat
Regional Lead – East – Antoine Collins
Regional Lead – Northeast – Lisa Barazzutti
Regional Lead – Northwest – Sam Bachinski
Regional Lead – Southwest – Dawn Melville
Regional Lead – Toronto – Allan Ritchie
Chair of Students – Tomiwa Ogundipe
YLD Central – Alexander Evangelista
YLD East – Jessica A. Byles-Nolet
YLD North – Keri Gillespie
For more information:
Michael Speers, Media and Communications Specialist
416-602-6146