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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Help reduce energy use and emissions over the winter break
Every action counts! This holiday season help save energy as part of UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown, which lowers the temperature in buildings during the winter break to reduce energy use and emissions on campus.
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Our Strategy in Action — Our New VPFO Feature Series
To illustrate the vision, values and priorities that animate our Strategic Plan, the VPFO has launched a quarterly story series that looks at the connection between people on our VPFO team, and how their individual efforts enable us to collectively…
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ELIMINATING BANK DRAFTS AS A FORM OF PAYMENT AT UBC
This summer, UBC’s Treasury department and the Accounts Payable unit in Financial Operations initiated a pilot project to move vendors requesting bank drafts to another payment method – with great success.
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Extension to IRP Workday Timeline
The Integrated Renewal Program (IRP) governance conducted the first of three planned program readiness reviews on October 31. Following this review, a recommendation was issued to the Board of Governors to extend the timeline to ensure the successful implementation of…
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The Flow of Water: How the VPFO Safeguards UBC’s Critical Supply of H2O
Water is a crucial resource at UBC, for basic human needs and to support research and operations. The simple act of turning on a tap to access a safe and reliable water supply is something students, faculty, and staff depend…
People of the VPFO
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Polina Sefin joins as Service Centre Coordinator within Customer Services & Informatics, Facilities
When dealing with inquiries and supply chain-related issues, Polina’s approach is to always work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and aim for the best outcome of each request received. Her robust customer service skills and experience working in complex organizations in…
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Conor Hourigan promoted to Subhead Millwright in Building Operations
Conor’s expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining various mechanical equipment throughout campus has enabled him to excel in the Millwright team. He has also provided strong leadership and support as the temporary fill-in subhead and head role.
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Steve Carey promoted to Facilities Manager in Customer Services and Informatics
Steve brings to the Facilities Manager team experience in the aviation industry, as well as strong customer services experience from 14 years of creating good working relationships with UBC clients and staff.
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Rebecca Way joins UBCO Financial Operations as Procurement Manager
In her new role, Rebecca will be responsible for leading the local procurement team in the delivery of procurement services to the Okanagan campus, as well as actively engaging the campus community to increase understanding of procurement policies and workflows,…
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Lori Takenaka promoted to Safety Advisor, Facilities in Safety & Risk Services
In her new role as Safety Advisor, Facilities, Lori will lead a team of health and safety specialists and will continue to support UBC Facilities in the development and implementation of their health and safety programs.