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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A Reminder to “Sort it Out” – UBCO Sustainability Office Partners with Students on Renewed Campaign
This fall the Sustainability Office on UBC’s Okanagan campus partnered with a team of fourth-year geography students to renew awareness of the importance of “Sorting it Out” when it comes to waste management.
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Update on UBCO Campus Planning, Infrastructure Development, and Campus Operations & Risk Management
Campus leadership has approved the creation of an Infrastructure Development function for UBCO to help maximize our ability to support future growth through realigning ourselves. There will be changes across Campus Planning, Campus Operations & Risk Management, and Infrastructure Development.
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Planning for disaster a campus-wide initiative for UBC Vancouver
Perched on an isolated cliff-top peninsula, surrounded by ocean, and separated from Vancouver’s urban core by a sprawling, lush rainforest, UBC falls outside the City of Vancouver’s jurisdiction. As a result, the university is responsible for the types of services…
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Rae Ann Aldridge appointed as Executive Director, Safety & Risk Services
In her new role, Rae Ann will be charged with working across campus to enhance UBC’s safety and security. She will be responsible for leading Safety & Risk Services, a new department which is the result of a merger between…
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UBC Expands Occupational First Aid Program on Vancouver campus
All faculty, staff and student-staff on UBC’s Vancouver campus can now enlist the help of the UBC Occupational First Aid Team, 24 hours a day. Call 604-822-4444 for assistance.
People of the VPFO
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Parveen Mann joins UBC as Director, Human Resources
We are pleased to welcome Parveen Mann to the VPFO as our new Director of Human Resources, reporting to Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Peter Smailes, effective June 21.
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VPFO Finance Realignments Following Workday Go-Live
Many members of our VPFO team played key roles in launch of Workday at UBC, and following the success of go-live we are ready to continue modernizing our core business processes, improve how we are structured, and transform the way…
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Leadership one-on-one with our Comptroller, Karamjeet Heer
As UBC’s Comptroller, Karamjeet is responsible for ensuring the university’s fiscal sustainability by providing financial intelligence and strategy. This week she has been featured in the UBC Today Leadership One-on-One interview series.
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Yvonne Kwok promoted to Communications Manager, Facilities and Safety & Risk Services
Yvonne Kwok will be expanding her role as Communications Manager, Facilities & SRS, effective Friday, May 21, 2021.
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Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of Payroll
Dawn brings a wealth of experience in finance, operations, technical, and systems implementation to the university, and most recently served as the Director of Finance for the Sooke School District in Victoria, BC.