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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Closure of East Mall at Hospital Lane from August 24–31
East Mall between Hospital Lane and Biological Sciences Road will be closed due to District Energy System repair work from Wednesday, August 24 to Wednesday, August 31. During this time, any access for deliveries or service vehicles will be accommodated via…
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Upcoming road closures
Wesbrook Mall upgrades is nearing completion, however, Wesbrook Mall will remain closed from Walter Gage Road to Chancellor Boulevard until September 5. Thunderbird Boulevard will be impacted for the duration of the UBC Hydrogen Hub / Transportation Test Bed project.…
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Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver: Aug 17 & 18
A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day. Daytime high temperatures of 29 to 35 degrees Celsius inland and near 27 degrees…
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UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan
Information on UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan 2023-24 to 2027-28 has been updated. UBC maintains a comprehensive plan for the development and renewal of institutional infrastructure to meet evolving academic needs as well as the needs of our growing campus communities.
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Sean Zheng stepping into new role as Sub-Head in Stores, Municipal Services within UBC Facilities
Sean joined UBC in 2019 as a Project Clerk in Infrastructure Development. Since then, he has developed strong relationships and provided key technical capabilities to his team during his time as a Stores Operator, as well as completed his Lean…
People of the VPFO
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Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.
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Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team.
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Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.
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Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…
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Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs
“Food brings people together,” explains Bryan Antenor, Customer Support Manager in Financial Operations. “Connecting over potlucks, having a few good laughs and participating in highly competitive Mario Kart Switch tournaments are just some of the simple yet effective ways we…