Jacinda Reitsma has been named Vice-President, Administration and Finance effective December 1, 2022.  Reitsma is currently Vice-President Finance and Corporate Services and Secretary-Treasurer of the Board at Conestoga College.

A broadly representative Nominating Committee participated in the extensive search process and endorsed the appointment. 

A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Reitsma began her career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as a co-op student in 1997 and remained with the firm as an associate, senior associate, manager and senior manager until joining as an equity partner in 2011. In 2017, she left PwC for the position of Chief Financial Officer at Conestoga College and moved into her current role soon after.

“Jacinda brings with her an excellent background in audit, finance, and corporate administration, as well as post-secondary leadership and collaboration,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel in a memo circulated to employees today.

“In a region with such a rich array of post-secondary offerings, the University of Waterloo has made an incredible impact both locally and on the global stage,” says Jacinda Reitsma. “I am excited for the opportunity to join the students, faculty and staff at the university and look forward to supporting the achievement of the institutional priorities within the University’s Strategic Plan.”

The vice-presidential appointment coincides with a senior leadership reorganization that will see Human Resources (HR) and Information Systems & Technology (IST) begin reporting to the Vice-President, Administration and Finance. Currently these units report to the Vice-President, Academic & Provost. Other units reporting to the Vice-President, Administration and Finance include Central Stores and Procurement and Contract Services, Finance, Plant Operations, and the David Johnston Research + Technology Park.

“I look forward to welcoming Jacinda to our campus community and thank her for agreeing to serve in this important role,” says President Goel.

Reitsma will succeed Dennis Huber, who has been in the vice-presidential role since 2001 and will be retiring at the end of December. More information about a retirement celebration will be shared with the campus community at a later date.