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
-
Update on Importing Goods to UBC
As all goods imported into the country need to be cleared through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), it is important to understand how we manage this process at UBC, and when there are important changes.
-
Basketball Court Relocation
A development permit application has been received for an outdoor basketball court in the parking lot at Thunderbird Boulevard and Health Sciences Mall. This basketball court is intended as a replacement for the existing court on the future site of…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
People of the VPFO
-
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…
-
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!
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.