Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
The nine divisions of the VPFO are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety and risk management for our university community.
We oversee a $3.98 billion budget, a $3.38 billion endowment, and all facilities on both campuses, as well as managing the university’s relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust. In all the portfolio’s responsibilities, we are committed to the values of innovation, unity and accountability.

VPFO Strategic Plan 2024–2027
Having a strategic plan gives us a clear path, keeping everyone on the same page. Learn more about where we’re going next and how we plan to get there.
News from the VPFO
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Help keep the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing organized and welcoming
Please return fitness equipment to their proper location after use. Our multi-purpose rooms are also used for in-person training sessions, so keeping the space clear and tidy ensures it’s safe and ready for everyone to use.
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UBC opens $45M Beaty Biodiversity Centre expansion
The new expansion will boost research and collaboration to tackle biodiversity loss with new spaces and technologies. Thank you to everyone involved in this project and who will be maintaining this building moving forward.
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Disruptions to university cheque mailing due to Canada Post job action
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has launched a national strike as of September 25, 2025. Please expect delays in mail delivery, including cheque delivery for payroll and suppliers.
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Join the Cybersecurity Awareness Month events in October!
Cyber threats are evolving and so is UBC’s response. This October, join us for timely workshops, new resources, and the Privacy Matters @ UBC Symposium on October 29.
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Save lives with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an easy-to-use, portable device that can restart the heart of a person who is in cardiac arrest. AEDs are located in many buildings at UBC.
People of the VPFO
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François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
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Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
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Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.
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Get to know: Ryan Huffman, Senior Project Manager with Project Services, Infrastructure Development
Ryan came to UBC because he used to get bored easily. Almost 7 years later, he’s discovered a job that brings him constant innovation, excitement, and the opportunity to bring his unique brand of positivity to his many UBC friends…
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Doug Cheung joins Treasury team in the position of Director, Treasury
Doug will be overseeing cash management together with the strategic long-term modelling and will also be involved in strategic initiatives such as the GBE (Government Business Entity) project with Student Housing and Hospitality Services.