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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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.
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UBC’s budget for 2021/22 set to bolster EDI, expand student supports, and further the university’s impact
The UBC Board of Governors has approved the budget for 2021/22, setting spending priorities for the year ahead. In addition to the ongoing recovery from COVID-19, UBC is committed to investing in our students, furthering our academic mandate, and promoting…
People of the VPFO
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Michelle Yuen joins the Project Accounting team within Comptroller as a Financial Analyst
Michelle Yuen has joined the Project Accounting team within Comptroller as a Financial Analyst on January 27. She comes to us with a wealth of experience in regulatory reporting and analysis, most recently having worked with the Royal Bank of…
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Charles Creelman is promoted to Electrical Technical Specialist in Facilities’ Building Operations
Charles Creelman has been promoted to Electrical Technical Specialist (ETS) in Facilities’ Building Operations and will be starting in his new role on Monday, January 27. Join us in congratulating Charles on his well-deserved promotion!
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Leena Mahasen joins VPFO as Executive Director, Transformation and Strategy
Leena Mahasen will be joining as an Executive Director, Transformation and Strategy in the VP Finance & Operations on Monday, February 10. Reporting to the VP Finance & Operations, Leena’s expertise and leadership will play a key role in driving…
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Crystal Liu joins UBC Facilities as a Buyer for Project Services
Crystal Liu is joining the sourcing team as a Buyer for Project Services on January 8. Before UBC, she was a Procurement Advisor and Supply Chain Planner at Suncor for 13 years.
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John Ede joins UBC Facilities’ Municipal Services as Contract Manager
John will be joining UBC Facilities on January 13. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering, a Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs, and is a Certified Supply Chain Professional.