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

  • Basketball Court Relocation

    A development permit application has been received for an outdoor basketball court in the parking lot at Thunderbird Boulevard and Health Sciences Mall. This basketball court is intended as a replacement for the existing court on the future site of…

    Read more: Basketball Court Relocation
  • UBC breaks ground on $23 million renewable energy hub

    A new $23 million renewable energy hub will transform an entire city block at the University of British Columbia into a smart energy district, including the province’s first-ever hydrogen refuelling station for light- and heavy-duty vehicles. The energy hub will…

    Read more: UBC breaks ground on $23 million renewable energy hub
  • First Nations Longhouse Expansion

    A development permit application has been received for a one-storey 168 sq. m addition to the First Nations Longhouse. The addition will make use of the existing exposed post and beam log structure at the east side of the building.…

    Read more: First Nations Longhouse Expansion
  • Update on our strategic plan

    In November, I sent an update that highlighted our plan to begin a process of transformational change within the VPFO, following our strategic plan’s focus on renewal and optimization. As we start our new fiscal year, I want to share a…

    Read more: Update on our strategic plan
  • Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of Payroll

    Dawn brings a wealth of experience in finance, operations, technical, and systems implementation to the university, and most recently served as the Director of Finance for the Sooke School District in Victoria, BC.

    Read more: Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of Payroll

People of the VPFO

  • Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services as Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor

    Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services’ Privacy & Information Security Management (PrISM) team, stepping into the role of Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor. Learn more about Eric.

    Read more: Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services as Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: John Metras

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know John Metras, Associate Vice-President, Facilities and his leadership vision: “I am an inclusive, action-oriented leader. I engage and empower my team and collaborate with stakeholders to build and maintain a…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: John Metras
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Parveen Mann

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Parveen Mann, Director, Human Resources and her leadership vision: “I believe that if we focus on our collective purpose, collaborate and build trust with each other, and continuously learn and…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Parveen Mann
  • Derek Ho joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Privacy & Information Security Risk

    Derek Ho joins Safety & Risk Services’ Privacy & Information Security Management (PrISM) team as Lead Advisor in Privacy & Information Security Risk. The SRS PrISM team delivers privacy and security risk assessments, campus-wide training and risk advisory services to…

    Read more: Derek Ho joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Privacy & Information Security Risk
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Yale Loh

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Yale Loh, Treasurer and his leadership vision: “I am a leader of a high-performing and accountable team that is driven by shared values and success, open dialogue, transparency, and orientation…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Yale Loh