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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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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UBC Completes Initial Transitioning of Funds Through the Responsible Investing Strategy
As part of UBC’s commitment to a low-carbon, sustainable future and divesting the endowment, the university is pleased to share that $34M of endowment funds have been transitioned to fossil-fuel-free investments.
People of the VPFO
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Esther Li promoted to Senior Financial Processing Specialist in Treasury
Reporting to Chen Shi, Treasury Accounting Manager, Esther will continue to be responsible for the incoming payments while playing a critical role in more complicated bank reconciliations and other banking side responsibilities.
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Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
Jen Sheel takes pride in what her team does… and it shows. When you meet Jen, one of the first things you see is her dedication to making UBC a place that invites and builds connections. She fiercely believes that…
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Josephine Shen joins the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team as a Financial Analyst
In her new role, Josephine will play a key role in developing the Strategic Initiatives’ multi-year forecasting model and maintaining various financial models (i.e. Contingency and PAEI) at UBC.
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Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
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.
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Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
Holly Shepherd has been promoted to Director, Treasury with overall responsibility for overseeing tax, contracts, leases & licences, housing loans, payment card industry compliance, service levy and Treasury Accounting.