University of Washington President Robert J. Jones has declared the selection of Heather Horn as the forthcoming vice president for Human Resources, effective Oct. 1.

Horn takes over from Mindy Kornberg, who is retiring after nearly two decades at the UW.

Prior to joining the UW, Horn held the position of vice provost and chief human resources officer at Oregon State University. Earlier in her career, she was employed by the University of Illinois, contributing as a human resource specialist in both unit HR and central HR offices, primarily concentrating on employee and labor relations initiatives.

Heather HornUniversity of Washington

“Heather is a leader who prioritizes people and possesses extensive experience,” Jones remarked. “At the UW, Heather will leverage the strengths of the UW Human Resource team and further the critical initiatives currently underway: enhancing recruitment and retention, executing Workday Recruiting, and cultivating an inclusive environment for all staff.”

Horn brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience at state research universities, where she has driven transformative change, updated HR systems and procedures, and established cooperative relationships that respect individual viewpoints while advancing institutional goals and principles.

“I am profoundly privileged to have the chance to contribute to this remarkable institution, addressing intricate challenges that improve the lives and experiences of everyone at the University of Washington,” Horn stated.

Horn holds a master’s degree in labor and industrial relations and obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.