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

  • 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.…

    Read more: Join virtual open house on UBCO 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…

    Read more: Spreading some holiday cheer at UBC Hospital’s Patient 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.

    Read more: Year End Payment Cycle and Procurement Dates
  • 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. 

    Read more: Demolition underway at DH Copp Building
  • BRDF Air Quality Permit Notification & Consultation

    Energy & Water Services is currently seeking an amendment to its air emissions permit for the Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Facility (BRDF) to reflect recent process changes and optimizations. The public is invited to submit comments by December 28, 2020.

    Read more: BRDF Air Quality Permit Notification & Consultation

People of the VPFO

  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC
  • Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development

    In his new role, Noel will be leading one of the teams of project managers in Project Services, and continue his present scope of work of directly managing complex projects such as Jack Bell Building Renewal and Faculty of Applied…

    Read more: Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development
  • Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer

    She joins us from BCIT as the Energy Manager, where she managed a team of engineers and BMS technicians to implement robust process improvements to increase energy efficiency across the Institute. The projects and process improvements she has implemented during…

    Read more: Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer