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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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Welcoming Karen Zygun as the new VPFO Director of Human Resources
Karen Zygun will be joining UBC as the new Director of Human Resources for the VPFO. Karen will be a key leader in renewing the VPFO’s HR team and strategy, developing a strategy to build a stronger values-centered culture, and…
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Angela Huang joins the Office of the Comptroller as Senior Director of Financial Business Intelligence
We are pleased to announce that Angela Huang has joined the Office of the Comptroller as our new Senior Director of Financial Business Intelligence, effective March 3, 2025.
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Welcoming Maggie Ivanova as UBC’s New Chief Enterprise Risk & Assurance Officer
Maggie Ivanova will begin her role as UBC’s new Chief Enterprise Risk and Assurance Officer on April 7. She will provide strategic leadership to the university’s Internal Assurance and Enterprise Risk Management functions and will report jointly to the Vice-President,…
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Sarah Goold appointed as Director, Long-Term Financial Modelling & Planning
Sarah Goold has been appointed Director, Long-Term Financial Modelling & Planning and will oversee the Long-Term Financial Modelling & Planning team going forward.
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Lindsay Wyant transitions to the Financial Reporting team as the Interim Director, Financial Reporting
We are pleased to announce that Lindsay Wyant, Finance Manager, Capital Financial Reporting, will be transitioning to the Financial Reporting Team as the Interim Director, Financial Reporting.