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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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Sam Stephens steps into new role as Interim Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
In his new position, Sam will be responsible for leading the Campus Security team and ensuring that we continue to provide great service to keep the campus community safe and secure.
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Jessica Dadwal joins Infrastructure Development’s Asset Replacement and Improvement Team as the Manager, Construction Office
A strong project manager with notable leadership skills and dedication to supporting her team and clients in an approachable, hands-on manner, Jessica will hold a pivotal role in the Construction Office team.
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Sean Lynch steps into role as Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities
Starting June 6, Sean Lynch will be Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities. He joined UBC in 2011 in Student Housing & Community Services and joined Custodial Services as Operations Manager in 2017.
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Caroline Macleod promoted to Executive Assistant to Associate Vice-President, Facilities
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this role and will be responsible for liaising with the wider University community and fostering working relationships with Senior Executives across the University. Caroline will be the primary contact person for John Metras,…
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Changes in the VPFO HR team
We are pleased to announce a number of positive changes on the VPFO Human Resources team. We have prepared a service map to help you navigate these changes and understand the roles and assigned departments of our team members.