Changes coming to E&O staff and Board of Directors in the new year

December 2025

As E&O prepares to look back on a successful 2025, we’re also looking forward into the new year, and are proud to recognize and thank a number of contributors, as well as welcome several new faces:

• Current E&O Board Chair, Peter Kelly, and past Chair, Cal Lindberg – who will both be retiring from our Board of Directors early in the new year after having each served two three-year terms.
• Current Chief Executive Officer, Leslie Howatt – who will also be retiring on January 31, 2026 after more than 30 years at E&O. Leslie joined E&O in 1995 following a successful career defending real estate agents in private practice. She worked as a Staff Lawyer until 2011, when she was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Rob Stevens, E&O’s first CEO.

Peter, Cal and Leslie have all helped guide E&O to significant achievements including successfully challenging our tax status, reducing licensee fees, increasing coverage limits from $1 million to $2 million, and orchestrating the purchase and move into our new office space. 

E&O extends its gratitude to Peter, Cal and Leslie for their years of service and the positive impact they’ve had on both E&O as well as the thousands of agents across the province. We wish you well in your free time!

Welcoming new Directors

• Jennifer Quart and John Mayr – appointed by BC Real Estate Association (BCREA), our two new Directors will start their roles on February 1, 2026.

Jennifer has been a licensed REALTOR® with RE/MAX Westcoast since 2010 and has served on the Board of Directors of Greater Vancouver REALTORS® from 2017 to 2025, including as Chair in 2023/2024. Jennifer started her career working at Central One Credit Union in publications, marketing and event planning, and later joined Desjardins Financial Security in business development, promoting and negotiating contracts within the credit union and co-operative industry outside Quebec.

John has been involved in the regulation of professions for 30 years and is the current Executive Director of the Society of Notaries Public. In addition to his role with the Notaries Public, he has been instrumental in the success of the Colleges of Denturists, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Social Workers. John brings a strong background in organizational development, risk management, strategic leadership, and administrative law. He is the past president of the BC Council of Administrative Tribunals and is currently a member of the Advisory Committee of the Legal Professions Act.

Meet E&O’s new CEO, Chris Johnston

• Chris Johnston – E&O is pleased to announce that Chris has been selected as its new Chief Executive Officer, stepping into the role on February 1, 2026, as longtime CEO Leslie Howatt retires. The appointment was made after a comprehensive hiring process overseen by E&O’s Board of Directors.

Chris joined E&O as a Staff Lawyer in 2011 after working in private practice for 11 years in Vancouver, the Cayman Islands and Toronto. For more than 20 years, Chris has represented clients before all levels of court, along with a wide array of administrative tribunals in several jurisdictions.

Throughout his career, Chris has specialized in real estate litigation and professional liability defence. He’s been E&O’s Claims Manager since 2023 and has played an instrumental role in loss prevention, claims management and the overall success of E&O operations.

“I’m excited for this leadership role and the opportunity to build on the strong culture of professionalism and service at E&O. I will develop this foundation with vision, integrity, and a commitment to the organization’s mission and to supporting agents.”

Welcoming our new Staff Lawyer

• Kristyn Weilinger – joined us as our newest Staff Lawyer in September. Kristyn was called to the Bar in 2019 and comes to us from private practice as a civil litigator where she practiced in areas including corporate commercial, real estate and intellectual property. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Kristyn worked for Coca-Cola in sales, business development, and marketing, and she has a personal interest in real estate as an industry and investment. Kristyn’s years of experience have prepared her well for her new role with E&O.