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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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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May 26 VPFO Town Hall Presentation and Slides
In this VPFO town hall, we reviewed the leadership transition plan, looked back on our accomplishments, and learned about our strategic plan together as one portfolio. The town hall recording and presentation slides are now available.
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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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Preparing for transition in the VPFO
The hand off starts now. Starting on June 1, Karamjeet Heer will be serving as the Interim Vice-President, Finance, and John Metras will be the Interim Vice-President, Operations.
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Robin Shortt & Ingrid Lindner joins the EMMS Sustainment team in Building Operations
We are happy to announce that we have now filled two additional positions on the EMMS Sustainment team — Business Analyst and Systems Analyst. Robin Shortt will take on the Business Analyst role for the EMMS Sustainment team, and Ingrid…
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Tarkan Serim joins Building Operations as team lead for the EMMS Sustainment Team
Tarkan will be leading the Enterprise Maintenance Management System (EMMS) Sustainment Team and will be responsible for EMMS issues resolution, back log management, product management, vendor release management, and will be a key member of the EMMS Steering Committee. This…
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Adam Rosenthal promoted as the Head in Stores with Building Operations
Adam has been an acting Head on many occasions in Stores, and has demonstrated he has the qualities required to be successful in this new role. As a Sub-head, Adam has developed strong relationships, and provided leadership and technical oversight…
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Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has been instrumental in supporting the department in transitioning to the new Workday and Planon enterprise systems.
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Jay Hiscox appointed Director, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Jay has been part of the Infrastructure Development family since joining UBC in November 2016. He joined Project Services as Senior Project Manager, and was later promoted to Senior Manager and then Associate Director.