A senior litigator and strategic adviser across the public and private sectors, Kelley McKinnon has devoted decades of service to Queen’s University and Queen’s Law. Elected the first woman Rector while a student, she later taught advocacy and corporate governance courses at Queen’s Law. Her career includes serving as a partner and vice chair of litigation at Fasken, senior leadership roles at the Ontario Securities Commission and the Competition Bureau, and executive roles at BMO Capital Markets and BMO Financial Group. She has served on Queen’s University Council and the Board of Trustees, including as vice chair, and was appointed Trustee Emerita in recognition of exemplary service. Kelley has served as a member of the Queen’s Law Dean’s Council since 2009, as the chair from 2022 – 2026 and now a member of the National Law Dean’s Advisory Council. She has provided sustained strategic counsel to three deans. In 2026 she was the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Distinguished Leadership awarded in recognition of lasting and meaningful contributions to Queen’s Law.