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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New 12 MW biomass boiler arrives on campus
As part of the Bioenergy facility expansion, the anticipated 12 MW biomass fueled hot water combustion boiler arrived on campus at the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF), and was craned into place for the next phase of the boiler placement.
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UBC to establish new downtown Kelowna presence
UBC will be establishing a new university presence in downtown Kelowna with plans to build a mixed-use building at the former Daily Courier location at 550 Doyle Avenue. The development will feature community-facing academic space, office space and university rental…
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Join Peter Smailes and the IRP leadership for an update on Workday
Open to all UBC faculty and staff, this call in will share the latest updates on Workday as we countdown to implementation in November 2020. Peter and other IRP leaders will address the community on the benefits of Workday, the improvements…
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Questions Relating to Working from Home
The university’s Finance and Human Resources teams have received a variety of questions relating to working from home, and this information has been prepared to provide guidance on some of these items.
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Continuation of Spreadsheet-Based Hourly Payroll Process
With the onset of measures relating to COVID-19 in March this year, UBC’s Payroll team quickly pivoted from a paper timesheet-based system to a spreadsheet-based process for the payment of hourly employees. Please note the process has been extended.
People of the VPFO
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Florante Navarro promoted to Sub-Head, Stores in Municipals Services
Florante brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help him transition into his new role as a Sub-Head and contribute to the team in a leadership capacity. He has worked with the Stores team for the past 3…
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Winston Feliciano promoted to Mechanic Apprentice in Building Operations
Winston brings over 10 years of supply chain experience and has completed the Building Operations Expression of Interest Program, as well as participated as an employee representative on Municipal Joint Occupational Safety Committee.
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Gilberto Andrade joins Municipal Services as the new Senior Materials Resource Coordinator
Gilberto comes to UBC with over 25 years of experience in materials and logistics management in varying industries ranging from home appliances and steelworks.
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Meynardo Villarica promoted to Architectural Sub Head in Building Operations
Meynardo’s carpentry trade background, coupled with his skills and understanding of the restoration process will benefit the architectural trade team well as he brings a fresh perspective to this role.
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Celebrating promotions within the newly renamed division – Occupational Health and Safety, Safety & Risk Services
Safety & Risk Services is making changes to its reporting structures to strengthen alignment with the university’s strategic priorities. Janet Hankins has been promoted to Manager – Research Compliance and Occupational Hygiene, Paul Gill to Manager, Health & Safety Partnerships, and Paul Nakagawa…