She served as the chief operating officer of TransLink
The Law Society of British Columbia has announced that Gigi Chen-Kuo will serve as its next chief executive officer and executive director, starting January 6, 2025.
Chen-Kuo has over 30 years of experience in leadership roles, including her most recent position as chief operating officer at TransLink. In 2021, she became the first person of Asian heritage to lead TransLink as she took on the role of Interim CEO in the immediate aftermath of a major cyberattack and amid the pandemic. During her time with TransLink, she also served as general counsel and executive vice president of Corporate Services. Her experience managing complex operations and leading initiatives aimed at serving the public is expected to support her work with LSBC.
Chen-Kuo has served on several boards, including Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, the British Columbia Automobile Association, Transportation Investment Corporation, and Union Gospel Mission. Past board appointments include Consumer Protection BC and the Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC. She is also a member of the Allard School of Law Dean’s Advisory Council at the University of British Columbia. Among her professional recognitions, she was a nominee for the 2022 YWCA Women of Distinction Award and a shortlisted candidate for the Women’s Infrastructure Network’s Outstanding Leader Award.
"On behalf of the governing board of Benchers, I am thrilled to welcome Gigi Chen-Kuo as our new CEO," said Jeevyn Dhaliwal, KC, president of LSBC. “Her remarkable tenure with TransLink, extensive corporate legal experience and her commitment to advancing the public interest make her the ideal person to advance our strategic initiatives and lead the organization through the years ahead.”
The Law Society also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CEO and executive director Don Avison, KC, who has led the organization for the past seven years. Under his leadership, LSBC pursued initiatives related to Truth and Reconciliation, implemented regulatory policies, and addressed changes introduced by single legal regulator legislation. Avison also played a key role in ensuring continuity during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
