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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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.
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Lindsay Forsyth & Jeff Bosworth promoted in Municipal Services within Building Operations
Lindsay Forsyth is promoted to Sub-Head Landscape Technologist, and Jeff Bosworth is promoted as Landscape Technologist Apprentice in Municipal Services within Building Operations.
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New team members join the VPFO Operational Excellence team
As part of an effort to improve efficiencies and cost-savings while achieving service excellence within the VPFO, some team members of the Business Services team in Customer Services & Informatics (CSI) in Facilities will be transitioning to the newly formed…
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Graham Ewald promoted as Gas Service Technician within Building Operations
Graham Ewald is the successful candidate for the position of Gas Service Technician. Graham has been a Steamfitter within the Building Operations Mechanical Maintenance team for over three years and will transition to the Mechanical Operations team on April 1,…
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Stephanie McLeish joins Project Services, Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager
Stephanie McLeish is the successful candidate for the Associate Project Manager position in Project Services within Infrastructure Development. Stephanie is joining us from the UBC Faculty of Medicine where she held a role as a program assistant.