40U40-26_56PAGE_PT - Flipbook - Page 46
40 UNDER 40 2026
JENNIFER JOHNSTON
Manager, Infrastructure Delivery at
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
INTERNATIONAL trade and robust supply chains form the
backbone of the global economy, relying heavily on the seamless
operation of critical maritime infrastructure. In Canada, ports are
among the most vital assets driving national prosperity, and keeping the nation’s largest port running e昀케ciently requires extraordinary technical and logistical expertise. Meeting this monumental
challenge is Jennifer Johnston, the Manager of Infrastructure Delivery at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. As a distinguished
engineering and project management professional, Jennifer’s
leadership is essential to the sustainable growth and operational
e昀케ciency of this critical trade hub. With a career dedicated to
the execution of massive, highly complex public infrastructure
projects, she plays a central role in facilitating international commerce and strengthening the nation’s supply chain.
In her current capacity, Jennifer oversees the planning, design,
and construction of vital port infrastructure, expertly navigating
the intricate intersections of heavy civil engineering, environmental stewardship, and rigorous regulatory compliance. The projects
under her purview are characterized by their immense scale and
complexity, often involving intricate marine logistics, extensive
stakeholder coordination, and the absolute necessity of maintaining uninterrupted port operations during construction. Jennifer’s
exceptional ability to manage these competing priorities, while
ensuring that projects are delivered safely, on time, and within
budget, has earned her the deep respect of her colleagues, contractors, and government partners. Her leadership style is de昀椀ned
by collaboration, strategic foresight, and a steadfast commitment
to technical excellence. She excels at uniting multidisciplinary
teams—comprising engineers, environmental scientists, contractors, and municipal stakeholders—around a shared vision for
successful project delivery.
By fostering an environment of open communication and
mutual respect, she ensures that all parties are aligned and that
potential risks are identi昀椀ed and mitigated long before they can
impact project schedules. Furthermore, Jennifer is a passionate advocate for sustainable infrastructure development. She
actively champions the integration of green building practices
and climate resilience strategies into port projects, ensuring that
the infrastructure built today can withstand the environmental
challenges of tomorrow while minimizing its ecological footprint.
Beyond her immediate project responsibilities, Jennifer is deeply
committed to the advancement of the engineering and construction professions. She actively mentors emerging professionals
within the Port Authority, sharing her extensive knowledge and
helping to cultivate the next generation of infrastructure leaders.
She also participates in various industry associations and forums,
contributing her expertise to broader discussions on supply chain
optimization and sustainable port development. Jennifer’s unique
blend of technical brilliance, strategic project management, and
unwavering dedication to public service makes her a standout
leader in the Canadian industrial sector.
46
40 UNDER 40 2026
SITE REPORTS
WHILE she works in the big city now, Jennifer was born into a
farming family and raised in Peace River, Alberta. She is also a
fiercly competitive curler.
She met the love of her life, Cody, while studying engineering
at Lakehead University. They are the proud parents of two
children.
What their peers said: "What stands out about Jennifer isn’t
just the results she delivers—it’s how she gets there. She brings
a thoughtful approach to every challenge, balancing technical
rigor with genuine care for the people doing the work. She
consistently delivers high-quality outcomes within budget
while keeping safety and our core values at the centre of every
decision."
