Jennifer and Eric Wolford
World Vision National Leadership Council

Jennifer and Eric delight in catching glimpses of God on the move. Sometimes the scene is dramatic, as  experienced on World Vision trips to Africa; sometimes the scene is subtle, as shown in a friend’s newfound peace. Connections like these help them see God more clearly, and they treasure those rare groups of people who blend laughter, authenticity, and purpose. They find community to be one of God’s sweetest blessings. This began during their undergraduate days at Pepperdine University, when they met living abroad for a year with 45 other students at Moore Haus in Heidelberg, Germany. Subsequent graduate study at New York University and Rutgers University exposed them to interesting weather while Eric worked at AT&T and Jen finished a decade of classroom teaching. After they settled in Northern California, Eric helped build a series of startup companies, recently retiring as president of Riverbed Technology, and currently working with Accel Partners. Jennifer’s teaching skills were put to use in local schools, church ministries, and nonprofits, where there’s no lack of volunteer opportunities for her. 

Eric is happiest casting along a mountain stream, ideally on a long backpacking trip with his father and his son. Jennifer loves not camping, and if there’s music playing, she’s probably dancing. While Eric has been known to occasionally dance, Jennifer has never been known to camp in their 25 years of marriage. Jennifer is fully occupied with their three children: Mark, at Pepperdine, Julia, and Lydia. 

Eric is an elder in their local church; Jen builds community by hosting intentional gatherings. They both seek to connect others with the love of Christ through friendship, service, and philanthropy. 

Fun facts for the couple: One year Jen caught a bigger fish than Eric—a 20-inch bull trout! And Eric took a camel ride on a World Vision trip!

See more of their story on their World Changer Profile page.