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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And the winners of our premium emergency ranger kits are…
Find out who the lucky contest winners are from the UBC Emergency Ranger Station event on February 13
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Help UBC create design guidelines for more inclusive washrooms & changing rooms
Last month, Infrastructure Development and Equity & Inclusive office hosted three pop-up open house events to engage with UBC students, faculty, and staff to get a better understanding of the range of experiences and concerns regarding washrooms and changing at…
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Students, faculty and staff get Ranger Ready in The Nest
On February 13, 2020 the AMS Student Nest was transformed into the UBC Emergency Ranger Station, where the Emergency Management team helped the UBC community get Ranger Ready, and prepare for emergency situations.
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Legal Opinion Confirms the Way Forward to Divestment
On Dec. 5, 2019, the Board of Governors formally directed VP Finance and UBC Counsel to lay out a pathway to full divestment of the university’s main endowment. Now the university has received a legal opinion which further confirms the…
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Statement on passing of Robert H. Lee
It is with deep sadness and a great sense of loss that we learned of the passing of Dr. Robert (Bob) H. Lee, CM, OBC, former Chancellor of UBC and Chairman of UBC Properties Trust on February 19, 2020.
People of the VPFO
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François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
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Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
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Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.
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Get to know: Ryan Huffman, Senior Project Manager with Project Services, Infrastructure Development
Ryan came to UBC because he used to get bored easily. Almost 7 years later, he’s discovered a job that brings him constant innovation, excitement, and the opportunity to bring his unique brand of positivity to his many UBC friends…
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Doug Cheung joins Treasury team in the position of Director, Treasury
Doug will be overseeing cash management together with the strategic long-term modelling and will also be involved in strategic initiatives such as the GBE (Government Business Entity) project with Student Housing and Hospitality Services.