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

  • Charles Creelman returns to Building Operations within Facilities as Project Coordinator, Electrical Technical Support

    Charles is returning to Building Operations from Energy & Water Services (EWS) where he was involved with the planning, design and overview of all short and long-range campus electrical utility systems, including the current UBC Main Substation switchgear replacement project.

    Read more: Charles Creelman returns to Building Operations within Facilities as Project Coordinator, Electrical Technical Support
  • Inequities in the post-secondary education system 

    Over 1.7 million students in Canada have a student loan; on average, one debtor owes at least $26,075. Student loans have increasingly come to be seen as a diversity, equity and inclusion issue because student debt is disproportionately held by…

    Read more: Inequities in the post-secondary education system 
  • VPFO Monday Update – September 12, 2022

    The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on September 12, 2022.

    Read more: VPFO Monday Update – September 12, 2022
  • Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke

    Lower Mainland continues to see poor air quality values as a result of the thick wildfire smoke in BC. Find resources about air quality health and safety awareness and the best ways to protect yourself.

    Read more: Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke
  • Generator load bank testing schedule 

    The regulatory Annual Load Bank Emergency Generator tests will take place in buildings across campus starting on September 12, 2022, until November 1, 2022.

    Read more: Generator load bank testing schedule 

People of the VPFO

  • Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk

    Through supporting engagement and communication activities, Wendy will enhance the team’s ability to make data readily available to staff managers.

    Read more: Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk
  • Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  

    Custodial Services’ staff celebrated Vaisakhi on Friday morning at the start of the shift in the UBC Life Building Custodial deployment office. Special thanks to Balvir Bains and Charanjit Bains for organizing this celebration!

    Read more: Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  
  • 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