Jennifer Vornbrock is Associate Vice-President, University Relations at the University of Victoria, where she provides strategic leadership for government relations, community relations, public affairs, issues management and major institutional events. She advises senior leaders on reputation, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and strategies that strengthen the university’s relationships with governments, communities, Indigenous partners, and other key interest holders.
With more than 25 years of experience across government, health care, mental health and post-secondary education, Jennifer has built a career helping organizations navigate complex challenges, build trusted relationships, and advance strategic priorities. Following early roles in public policy with the Government of British Columbia, she spent 12 years with Vancouver Coastal Health, progressing through increasingly senior leadership positions and working at the intersection of public policy, community engagement, health systems and social issues. She later served as Vice-President, Knowledge and Innovation at the Mental Health Commission of Canada before joining UVic. She also serves as Vice Chair, South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP).
Jennifer is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking and ability to bring together diverse perspectives to address complex issues. Her expertise spans public affairs, government relations, communications, community engagement, issues and crisis management, policy development, interest holder relations and organizational strategy. She is particularly skilled at building partnerships, fostering consensus and translating complex challenges into practical, actionable plans that deliver meaningful results.
A resident of Vancouver Island, a proud mom to a UBC student and a graduate of Simon Fraser University, Jennifer remains passionate about public service, strong communities and the role that institutions can play in creating positive social change.