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

  • 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
  • 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.

    Read more: New 12 MW biomass boiler arrives on campus
  • 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…

    Read more: UBC to establish new downtown Kelowna presence
  • 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…

    Read more: Join Peter Smailes and the IRP leadership for an update on Workday

People of the VPFO

  • Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university

    In alignment with the VPFO and SRS strategic plan, Safety & Risk Services (SRS) is moving to the next step that builds on our strengths and opportunities to continue to align around enhanced safety and reduced risk for faculty, staff,…

    Read more: Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university
  • Cassandra Torres and Evan Lloyd join Safety & Risk Services as Management & Continuity Planning Advisors

    Cassandra Torres (she, her, hers) and Evan Lloyd join the Emergency Management team in Safety & Risk Services as Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisors. Their education and backgrounds in emergency response will be great assets to the team.

    Read more: Cassandra Torres and Evan Lloyd join Safety & Risk Services as Management & Continuity Planning Advisors
  • Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services

    Today is David Woodson’s last day at UBC as Managing Director, Energy & Water Services after 23½ years of outstanding service and many great memories. I am pleased to announce that Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services while we…

    Read more: Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services
  • Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit

    Prior to joining us, Shilan was a Research Safety Coordinator at Simon Fraser University, where she acted as the EHS (environment, health, and safety) resource person for the Local Joint Health & Safety Committee to provide updates on policies and practices and address…

    Read more: Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit
  • Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting

    Sandy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 16 years of accounting experience across various industries. She will partner with other VPFO team members to continuously improve business processes and enable effective financial management throughout the portfolio.

    Read more: Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting