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

  • 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
  • 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.

    Read more: UBC Completes Initial Transitioning of Funds Through the Responsible Investing Strategy

People of the VPFO

  • Curtis Spencer is promoted to Subhead Electrical Maintenance in Building Operations

    Curtis joined UBC in February 2017 working on campus street lights before moving to the electrical controls crew where he took on both the green and teal zones. Curtis has vast experience in commercial and industrial settings, and has shown…

    Read more: Curtis Spencer is promoted to Subhead Electrical Maintenance in Building Operations
  • Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager

    As the Finance Services Manager, Chris will play a vital role in leading the Finance Services Team to support our Community in Finance Period End activities, and the improvement of Workday’s processes. Chris comes to us with 20 years of…

    Read more: Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager
  • Kyle Fenton joins Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager

    Kyle’s diverse range of professional skills within project management and project design and construction, coupled with his unique insights into different project roles will be a definite asset to the Project Services team.

    Read more: Kyle Fenton joins Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager
  • Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations

    In his new role, Bill will play a key role in leading and completing RFx processes for purchases above $75K. The role is integral to the success of the Procurement Sourcing team by ensuring best procurement practices are being followed.

    Read more: Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations
  • Raymond Lum promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations

    Raymond has been in the metal shop at UBC for seven years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in layout, fabricating, assembling, welding and installation. He was a participant in the Expression of Interest (EOI) program and is…

    Read more: Raymond Lum promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations