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
-
Read more: Basketball Court Relocation

Basketball Court Relocation
A development permit application has been received for an outdoor basketball court in the parking lot at Thunderbird Boulevard and Health Sciences Mall. This basketball court is intended as a replacement for the existing court on the future site of…
-
Read more: UBC breaks ground on $23 million renewable energy hub

UBC breaks ground on $23 million renewable energy hub
A new $23 million renewable energy hub will transform an entire city block at the University of British Columbia into a smart energy district, including the province’s first-ever hydrogen refuelling station for light- and heavy-duty vehicles. The energy hub will…
-
Read more: First Nations Longhouse Expansion

First Nations Longhouse Expansion
A development permit application has been received for a one-storey 168 sq. m addition to the First Nations Longhouse. The addition will make use of the existing exposed post and beam log structure at the east side of the building.…
-
Read more: Update on our strategic plan
Update on our strategic plan
In November, I sent an update that highlighted our plan to begin a process of transformational change within the VPFO, following our strategic plan’s focus on renewal and optimization. As we start our new fiscal year, I want to share a…
-
Read more: Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of Payroll
Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of Payroll
Dawn brings a wealth of experience in finance, operations, technical, and systems implementation to the university, and most recently served as the Director of Finance for the Sooke School District in Victoria, BC.
People of the VPFO
-
Read more: Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC.
-
Read more: Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
Holly Shepherd has been promoted to Director, Treasury with overall responsibility for overseeing tax, contracts, leases & licences, housing loans, payment card industry compliance, service levy and Treasury Accounting.
-
Read more: Conor Cregg-Guinan steps into new role as Operations Manager, Custodial Services in Facilities
Conor Cregg-Guinan steps into new role as Operations Manager, Custodial Services in Facilities
In his new role, Conor will oversee the Dayshift custodial operation and the utility worker teams, and be responsible for the maintenance and execution of the pest control, window cleaning and carpet cleaning contracts.
-
Read more: Helen Shen joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Helen Shen joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Leveraging her robust experience in continuous improvement and problem solving, in addition to her passion for driving efficiency and collaboration, Helen will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.
-
Read more: Christian Stockman promoted to Senior Advisor in Privacy & Information Security (PrISM)
Christian Stockman promoted to Senior Advisor in Privacy & Information Security (PrISM)
Since joining PrISM in 2017, Christian has worked on the online Privacy and Security Fundamentals training roll-out and has been a valued member of the PIA team.