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

  • Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services

    Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has been instrumental in supporting the department in transitioning to the new Workday and Planon enterprise systems.

    Read more: Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services
  • Enabling our strategic plan with a new structure for the VPFO’s administrative professionals

    Effective September 24, I have promoted Sandy Zarka to Manager, VPFO Administration. Please join me in congratulating Sandy on her new role and in supporting her entire team as they prepare to support us through the changes to come.

    Read more: Enabling our strategic plan with a new structure for the VPFO’s administrative professionals
  • Join UBC’s virtual ShakeOut drill on October 15th

    We’re all spending more time at home at the moment, which makes it all the more important to prepare your home for the unexpected. Join UBC’s virtual ShakeOut drill on October 15th to get ready!

    Read more: Join UBC’s virtual ShakeOut drill on October 15th
  • A beautiful plaque for Professor Santa J. Ono’s reappointment

    In celebration of Professor Santa J. Ono’s reappointment as President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC, the Facilities team created a beautiful plaque and presented it to President Ono.

    Read more: A beautiful plaque for Professor Santa J. Ono’s reappointment
  • Enrolment remains strong at UBC

    Student enrolment numbers remain strong this fall at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan—a sign of the university’s stellar academic reputation. Students are keenly interested in achieving their educational ambitions at UBC, despite challenges posed by COVID-19.

    Read more: Enrolment remains strong at UBC

People of the VPFO

  • Maliheh Oliver, Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn, Privacy and Security Advisor join PrISM in Safety & Risk Services

    Privacy & Information Security (PrISM) in Safety & Risk Services is pleased to welcome Maliheh Oliver as Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn as Privacy and Security Advisor.

    Read more: Maliheh Oliver, Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn, Privacy and Security Advisor join PrISM in Safety & Risk Services
  • In memory of March Cheng

    It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of our dear friend and colleague March Cheng. March consistently made a positive impact on every team she was a part of. Her knowledge of payroll was second…

    Read more: In memory of March Cheng
  • 2022 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners

    The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. This year, Facilities received over 60 nominations. Congratulations to our 2022…

    Read more: 2022 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
  • Congratulations to our successful CFE writers for 2022

    Please join UBC Finance in congratulating Wesam Mostadi, Accounts Payable Team Lead in the VP Finance & Operations, and Anas Qartoumeh, Finance Manager in VP Research and Innovation (VPRI) Portfolio in UBC Okanagan on passing their 2022 Common Final Exam…

    Read more: Congratulations to our successful CFE writers for 2022
  • Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services

    Sam has been a driving force in finding opportunities to build a stronger foundation for our Campus Security teams. His extensive experience in leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security, and Risk Management roles in the public sector will make…

    Read more: Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services