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Introducing the New Executive Director

Penny Bain BA, LLB, LLM
Executive Director, British Columbia Institute Against Family Violence

I feel very privileged to assume the position as the Executive Director of the BC Institute Against Family Violence upon the retirement of Jill Hightower.

I have many years of experience as a manager of public legal services committed to access to justice and public legal education, including 14 years as a manager of legal information services for the Legal Services Society of BC and a year as the project manager for the implementation of the Ministry of Attorney General Violence Against Women in Relationships Policy.

Throughout my time with the Legal Services Society and subsequently as a legal consultant I have participated in strategic planning, policy development, project management and law related education. I have extensive knowledge and understanding of programs addressing issues of family violence in BC.

I have a Masters of Law degree, and have been a member of the Law Society of British Columbia for 21 years (the last 3 years as a non practicing member), the Ministry of Education Social Studies Advisory Committee, the board of directors of Westcoast LEAF, and the Provincial Council of the Canadian Bar Association.

Over the next few years at the Institute I look forward to:

• providing vision and leadership in the planning and management of Institute research and education programs,
• establishing strong relationships with the universities, government and community organizations,
• providing effective support to the boards of directors, staff and members,
• ensuring financial accountability and responsibility to funders, and
• developing and coordinating fundraising activities to ensure the growth of the Institute.

I very much appreciate this opportunity to apply my ideas and skills in assisting the BC Institute Against Family Violence to end family violence, protect vulnerable persons and stop victimization through research and education for service providers and the public.

Penny Bain