Vanessa Brimner

Hometown:  
Fairbank, Alaska

Responsibilities & Experience:  
Vanessa Brimner currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Office for International Programs (OIP), bringing extensive expertise in budgetary and financial management, human resources, and legal processes. Her professional background spans diverse sectors, including government work with the Arizona Maricopa County Office of the Legal Advocate, private sector experience at Tenet Healthcare, and over 15 years in higher education at The George Washington University.

Under Vanessa’s leadership, the OIP team oversees university-wide international travel and fosters global partnerships. The office regularly hosts international visitors and high-level delegations, facilitating valuable connections between GW faculty and staff and their global counterparts. Additionally, OIP manages the implementation and oversight of the International Travel policy, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff are fully prepared for international travel through comprehensive risk analysis, education, training, and specialized software solutions. The office also plays a pivotal role in supporting The International Services Office and The Office for Study Abroad by providing strategic oversight in budget management, financial processes, human capital development, and other key administrative functions.

Education: 
Vanessa holds a BA of Interdisciplinary Studies in Political Science and Public Administration (with minors in International Business and Geography), a MS in Applied Economics, and a MS in Applied International Development.

Interesting Facts: 
Vanessa is an active member with the Higher Education International Business Officers organization, a member and volunteer with the Institute for the Economic Empowerment of Women, and a volunteer with the Innocence Project. She enjoys traveling and being outdoors as much as possible.