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

  • Upcoming training workshops for UBC VISA Cardholders

    UBC Financial Operations is pleased to introduce its new online, monthly workshop to help UBC Visa cardholders and delegates better understand the university’s Visa program policies and their responsibilities as a cardholder.

    Read more: Upcoming training workshops for UBC VISA Cardholders
  • Ready Week 2022: Increasing emergency preparedness for the new school year

    As the university welcomed students back on campus for the fall term last week, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management team set up a booth and Quake Cottage, an earthquake simulator to help elevate our campus community’s resilience, emergency awareness…

    Read more: Ready Week 2022: Increasing emergency preparedness for the new school year
  • 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

People of the VPFO

  • VPFO HR team update

    Daisy Chan will be going on Maternity leave starting March 2023. During her leave, Kasia Burza will be temporarily promoted to an HR Advisor until September 2024, supporting AVPFO and Treasury. Alysa Garza will be joining as an HR Coordinator…

    Read more: VPFO HR team update
  • Silvia Magnano joins Treasury as Manager, Treasury Contracts & Real Estate

    Silvia comes to us directly from the UBC University-Industry Liaison Office (UILO) where she was a Contracts Officer. Silvia brings both business and legal background to her new role. She was trained and certified as a lawyer in Argentina, where…

    Read more: Silvia Magnano joins Treasury as Manager, Treasury Contracts & Real Estate
  • Hailey Maxwell steps into new role as Manager, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning in Safety & Risk Services

    In her new role as Manager of Emergency & Continuity Planning, Hailey looks forward to continuing to support the UBC community in developing personal and organizational resilience through planning, training and engagement initiatives.

    Read more: Hailey Maxwell steps into new role as Manager, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning in Safety & Risk Services
  • Balancing safety and innovation

    Janet Hankins leads a team of specialists in biosafety, radiation, and chemical safety and occupational hygiene responsible for the handling of hazardous substances across the university. Learn how Janet resonates with the VPFO’s strategic directions and values, and how her…

    Read more: Balancing safety and innovation
  • Bella Li joins the VPFO/VPHR Finance team within Comptroller as Financial Analyst  

    In her new role, Bella will be responsible for providing financial analysis to the overall VPFO/VPHR Finance team, with a primary focus on Infrastructure Development, Safety & Risk Services, and Financial Operations.

    Read more: Bella Li joins the VPFO/VPHR Finance team within Comptroller as Financial Analyst