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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Read more: Browse the refreshed VPFO Update archive

Browse the refreshed VPFO Update archive
The archive section of our VPFO newsletter just got a refresh! Browse through the VPFO Update archive to find a past newsletter or update from the portfolio!
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Read more: UBC’s newest state-of-the art fitness centre opens

UBC’s newest state-of-the art fitness centre opens
UBC Vancouver has tripled indoor fitness and recreation space with the opening of Recreation Centre North (RCN). The soft opening of the facility began on June 23 and will continue through June 29.
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Read more: Preparing for your first visit to the Rec North Fitness Centre

Preparing for your first visit to the Rec North Fitness Centre
The Rec North Fitness Centre is spread across four floors so we’ve put together a few tools to help you familiarize yourself with the space before you visit. Learn more about the Fitness Centre through a floor-by-floor equipment guide, tips…
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Read more: Campus Security report to our community is now available

Campus Security report to our community is now available
The 2024 Campus Security annual report to our community is now available, offering a comprehensive look at the department’s progress, priorities, and future direction. Aligned with the VP Finance & Operations’ Strategic Plan and Safety & Risk Services Business Plan,…
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Read more: Two UBC projects featured in the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Innovation magazine

Two UBC projects featured in the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Innovation magazine
The UBC Pharmacy Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) System was featured for its innovative approach to energy efficiency. Congratulations to our UBC Facilities team and everyone involved in this project!
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Read more: Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…
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Read more: Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
In her new role, Susan will continue to oversee the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) process, including major projects such as the Integrated Security Program Student (IRPS) as well as the portfolio of operational PIAs and advisory services.
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Read more: Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
In his new role, Norman will help lead continuity planning for the Vancouver Point Grey campus. Working with academic units, he will assist in the roll-out of our Continuity Planning Framework and the creation of Continuity Plans for faculties using a…
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Read more: Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Christine Lin as Tax Analyst, reporting to Holly Shepherd, Tax Manager effective May 16, 2022. Christine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in corporate and indirect tax within the oil and gas…