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
-
Steven Bao Joins UBC as Finance Director, Special Projects
Starting January 11th Steven will be working with the Karamjeet Heer in the Comptroller’s portfolio, with a focus on financial reporting matters.
-
Join virtual open house on UBCO in downtown Kelowna
Join us virtually on January 19 at 7 p.m. to learn more about this initiative and share your thoughts during a virtual open house. In partnership with UBC Properties Trust, UBC Okanagan is planning a new building in downtown Kelowna.…
-
Spreading some holiday cheer at UBC Hospital’s Patient Park
After the water feature was shut down at UBC Hospital’s Patient Park for the winter months, lights were installed in the park to spread some holiday cheer! Building Operations’ Streets & Operations Support (SOS) team wanted to brighten the park…
-
Year End Payment Cycle and Procurement Dates
The final payment cycle dates for 2020 calendar year end, as well as the procurement deadlines for the 2020/2021 fiscal year, are now available for the UBC community on the UBC Finance website.
-
Demolition underway at DH Copp Building
After almost 60 years of service, the DH Copp Building is handed over to UBC Properties Trust and behind construction fencing. This is the first step to the demolition of the building which will take place in Spring 2021.
People of the VPFO
-
Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan joined UBC in September 2019 working as a project carpenter in Building Operations. He participated in continuing education by volunteering for the Expression of Interest Program (EOI) program back in 2020, and since then has supported the crew as…
-
Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Peter Smailes, Vice-President, Finance and Operations, is leaving UBC to take up a new opportunity at Kwantlen Polytechnic University as their Vice-President, Administration.
-
Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene with Occupational Health & Safety welcomes Eve Neesham-Grenon to the team as the Safety Associate focused primarily on the Biological & Radiation Safety Programs. Eve brings a fantastic mix of laboratory and hygiene experience to…
-
Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within the Occupational Health & Safety, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.
-
Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Leveraging her robust experience in continuous improvement and problem solving, in addition to her passion for driving efficiency and collaboration, Lubna will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.