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

  • UBC Evaluated As Having “Outstanding Market Position” by Moodys

    Bond credit rating company Moody’s Investors Service (commonly referred to as “Moody’s”) has given UBC an Aa1 rating, reflecting “an outstanding market position supported by robust student demand, and a very strong research reputation which has historically allowed the university…

    Read more: UBC Evaluated As Having “Outstanding Market Position” by Moodys
  • Video: Virtual Hot Lunch with John Metras

    John Metras, Associate Vice-President, Facilities presented at St. John College’s Virtual Hot Lunch Series on January 27, 2021. If you missed the Virtual Hot Lunch with John, or would like to revisit the talk, the event can be viewed on the St John…

    Read more: Video: Virtual Hot Lunch with John Metras
  • Public consultation for School of Biomedical Engineering

    The proposal is for a 14,530 sq. m 5-storey academic building containing teaching, research, and administrative space for the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering. Two online public open house events will be held for this project on February 23, 2021.…

    Read more: Public consultation for School of Biomedical Engineering
  • Public consultation for Hydrogen Fueling Station

    A hydrogen generation and refueling station is proposed for Thunderbird Boulevard west of the Thunderbird Parkade. The project is part of the UBC Clean Energy Research Centre’s Clean, Connected, and Safe Transportation Testbed. The virtual public open house event will…

    Read more: Public consultation for Hydrogen Fueling Station
  • Pre-Approved Suppliers Now Available for Reusable Non-Medical Masks

    In order to facilitate the sourcing and purchasing of masks at UBC, the Financial Operations team — in partnership with UBC’s Safety & Risk Services department — has secured non-exclusive contracts and fixed pricing with three qualified suppliers on an…

    Read more: Pre-Approved Suppliers Now Available for Reusable Non-Medical Masks

People of the VPFO

  • Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services

    Today is David Woodson’s last day at UBC as Managing Director, Energy & Water Services after 23½ years of outstanding service and many great memories. I am pleased to announce that Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services while we…

    Read more: Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services
  • Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit

    Prior to joining us, Shilan was a Research Safety Coordinator at Simon Fraser University, where she acted as the EHS (environment, health, and safety) resource person for the Local Joint Health & Safety Committee to provide updates on policies and practices and address…

    Read more: Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit
  • Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting

    Sandy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 16 years of accounting experience across various industries. She will partner with other VPFO team members to continuously improve business processes and enable effective financial management throughout the portfolio.

    Read more: Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting
  • Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities

    Stuart will be responsible for developing and managing programs to achieve the implementation of infrastructure and services plans, reporting to Doug Doyle, Senior Manager, and work closely with the Mechanical Utilities unit.

    Read more: Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities
  • Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff  

    The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC. See the full list of VPFO team…

    Read more: Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff