Chief Civilian Director

Jessica Berglund, BA, JD

Jessica Berglund was appointed Chief Civilian Director of the Independent Investigations Office of BC on September 20, 2024.

Prior to her appointment with IIO, Berglund was the director of occupational health and safety investigations at WorkSafeBC, overseeing the investigation of workplace fatalities and serious injuries in BC. She joined WorkSafeBC in 2003 and held legal and senior-management roles over a 21-year career.

Berglund was president of the board of directors of Pathways Clubhouse, a mental-health organization in Richmond, from 2016 until 2022. She was also a member of the board of the Lawyers Assistance Program from 2006 until 2012.

Berglund was born in Merritt, growing up first on her family’s cattle ranch in the Nicola Valley followed by her family’s move to the Okanagan, where she graduated from Penticton Secondary School in 1986.  She obtained her bachelor of arts in French and Asian studies from the University of Victoria, including studying at Beijing Normal University, before returning to Victoria to attend law school. Berglund was called to the bar in 1998 and practised civil litigation in Vancouver until 2002. She lives in Richmond with her husband and son.