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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Changes to support VPFO Finance priorities
Over the past few weeks, Vice-President Peter Smailes and our portfolio leadership team have shared their insights into how our unit priorities align with our portfolio strategic plan. We would like to share more specific details about one of those initiatives, a change to how the VPFO’s internal finance teams are structured.
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Operational Excellence Website Launches
UBC and the VPFO are currently undergoing a series of transformational changes. Our new Operational Excellence team has been created to help us navigate these changes. Visit the newly launched website to learn more about what Operational Excellence does and…
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UniForum activity on hold until fall 2021
With the impact of COVID-19 and the implementation of Workday last fall, UBC decided to put UniForum activity on hold for 2020/2021. Over the next few months, you will be hearing more about this year’s UniForum program from the Uniforum…
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Access Services joins Campus Security in Safety and Risk Services (SRS)
Safety & Risk Services is excited to announce that Access Services is transitioning from Student Housing and Community Services (SHCS) to Campus Security in SRS, effective Monday, May 31, 2021.
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Leadership one-on-one with our Comptroller, Karamjeet Heer
As UBC’s Comptroller, Karamjeet is responsible for ensuring the university’s fiscal sustainability by providing financial intelligence and strategy. This week she has been featured in the UBC Today Leadership One-on-One interview series.
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.