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

  • UBC Continues Commitment to Mitigating Climate Change, Signs Principles for Responsible Investment

    The university is pleased to share that UBC Investment Management Trust (IMANT) has signed the internationally-developed Principles for Responsible Investment on behalf of UBC and the UBC Staff Pension Plan.

    Read more: UBC Continues Commitment to Mitigating Climate Change, Signs Principles for Responsible Investment
  • Safe reoccupancy for your building & spaces

    With the gradual and phased reoccupancy of the university, we want to remind faculty and staff that the Facilities Group will require a minimum of five business days notice before a building is ready for reoccupancy. Our custodial and trades…

    Read more: Safe reoccupancy for your building & spaces
  • Elana Mignosa Appointed Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operational Excellence

    In this new role Elana will co-lead the financial management of the university together with the Comptroller and the Treasurer to advance UBC’s financial services and continuous improvement initiatives.

    Read more: Elana Mignosa Appointed Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operational Excellence
  • Serving our diverse campus

    UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono recently released a statement about systemic racism at UBC. We at Safety & Risk Services and in the VPFO portfolio want to ensure we create a sense of safety, trust and security among all…

    Read more: Serving our diverse campus
  • Museum of Anthropology (MOA) Great Hall Renewal Open House

    Due to precautions in place for COVID-19, public consultation for this project will take place online on Monday, June 29. Join the meeting anytime between 4:30-6:30 p.m. Construction is anticipated to start mid-late September 2020.

    Read more: Museum of Anthropology (MOA) Great Hall Renewal Open House

People of the VPFO

  • Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.

    Read more: Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
  • Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations

    Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…

    Read more: Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis