The University of Victoria is welcoming Chris Horbachewski as the new Vice-President External Relations. The appointment, effective Feb. 1, was approved by the Board of Governors on Oct. 28, 2019 following an international search.
Horbachewski joins UVic from the University of Lethbridge, where he served as the Vice-President, Advancement since 2005. Prior to that, he held a variety of fundraising and advancement leadership positions at the University of Manitoba between 1997 and 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from the University of Calgary.
"I am very excited to be joining the University of Victoria community and the outstanding team in External Relations. Together, we will continue to build UVic as one of the best universities in Canada and the world," says Horbachewski. "With the UVic Strategic Framework as a guide, and building on the great work already underway, our External Relations team will continue to develop and grow strong relationships that help build an exceptional experience for students, and support the outstanding teaching and research undertaken by the academic community. I very much look forward to contributing to this."
With a record of success in all aspects of external relations, Horbachewski's experience includes roles in development, alumni relations, marketing and communications, and government relations.
"Our university is in a very strong position, with great momentum moving us forward," says President Jamie Cassels. "I am looking forward to the contributions Mr. Horbachewski will make in an exciting new era for UVic. Please join me in welcoming him to campus in his new role."
The VP External Relations is a key member of the UVic executive, responsible for providing strategic leadership on the overall positioning of the university and for guiding the External Relations team's activities, including fundraising and development, alumni relations, community relations, government relations, marketing, communications, the university art collections, Farquhar Auditorium, and ceremonies and events.
Horbachewski succeeds Carmen Charette, who stepped down as UVic's Vice-President External Relations after more than seven years in the position.
