Announcement: Leadership Change at the British Columbia Law Institute
June 26, 2026
BY British Columbia Law Institute
The Board of Directors of the British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI) announces that Karen Campbell will be departing her role as Executive Director to join OKT Law.
Since joining BCLI in 2020, Karen has provided the Institute with exceptional leadership through a period of renewal, growth, and increasing impact. During this time, BCLI has strengthened its position as an independent leader in law reform and deepened its engagement with legal professionals and community partners across the province.
Karen has championed and guided BCLI’s reconciliation work, including the development of the Reconciling Crown Legal Frameworks program and related research exploring legal pluralism, alignment of laws, and recognition of Indigenous legal frameworks. She has also overseen influential publications and law reform projects in areas including family law, housing law, land tenure, and common law reforms.
In addition to advancing BCLI’s substantive work, Karen has built a strong and talented staff team, strengthened relationships with partners across the province and nationally, and helped position the organization for long-term sustainability.
The Board is deeply grateful for Karen’s vision and commitment to thoughtful, independent law reform. Edward Wilson, Chair of the Board, noted: “Karen has led BCLI with clarity, creativity, and purpose. Under her leadership, the Institute has expanded its reach, advanced innovative law reform projects, and deepened its commitment to reconciliation. She has built a strong foundation for BCLI’s future, and we are sincerely grateful for her many contributions.”
Megan Vis-Dunbar will serve as BCLI’s Interim Program Director, providing leadership on BCLI’s substantive law reform and research programs. She will be supported by Maggie Knight, who will serve as Interim Managing Director, providing operational and organizational leadership during this transition.
The Board is confident that Megan and Maggie, together with BCLI’s exceptional staff team, will ensure continuity of the Institute’s work and maintain its strong momentum while the Board undertakes a search for a new Executive Director.
Please join us in thanking Karen for her dedication to BCLI and in wishing her all the best in her next chapter.
