jen ford

West Vancouver Sea to Sky hopeful

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.

-William James.

Who is Jen Ford?

Inspired by the freedom and beauty of the mountains, Jen left York University to spend a season in Whistler, BC. With an education in Political and Health Sciences, and a desire to strike out on her own, she arrived with two pairs of skis and a big imagination in October 2002. She didn’t know a soul in town, but quickly found kindred spirits. Early on in the season, a life changing ski injury sent Jen on a new path.

Calling out her tenacity and a sense of humor, a career in Conference and Incentive travel grabbed Jen’s attention. Jen connects easily with clients and looks for meaningful solutions in all her interactions. The opportunity to bring groups to share in her passion made selling Whistler easy. Jen achieved top sales in year over year growth in 2006 and in 2012.

Motivated to get involved in community direction and public policy, so that all residents could thrive in Whistler’s post-Olympic economy, Jen ran for Municipal council in 2011. She was not successful in gaining a seat, but was emboldened by the support and encouragement received. She joined the boards of some local non-profits and continued to produce a live feed of Council meetings on social media. Jen was elected in 2014, and currently sits on the boards of the Squamish Lillooet Regional District, among a variety of community non-profits.

Portfolio of Governance

Whistler Council

First elected in 2014, re-elected in 2018 and 2022. Jen has held appointments to Whistler Community Services Society, Whistler Animals Galore, Whistler Public Library, Whistler Housing Authority, among other local non-profits.

Regional District Board

Appointed to Regional District in 2018 as RMOW appointee, elected Vice Chair 2019, and elected Chair 2020. Continues to serve as Chair of the Board. Jen serves as a director for the Municipal Finance Authority and the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District Chair.

Union of BC Municipalities

First elected as Director at Large 2018, Jen then served as table officer from 2019 to present role of Immediate Past President. Jen continues to serve as the appointed member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.