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
-
Metro Vancouver’s Watering Restrictions come into effect on May 1, 2022
Stage one of Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations will be in effect from May 1, 2022 to October 15, 2022, as outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. This year, both residential and non-residential watering is only allowed once a…
-
UBC Road Closure on May 1 due to the BMO Vancouver Marathon
The BMO Vancouver Marathon is coming through UBC – road closures will occur on Sunday, May 1st from 8:00am – 12:00pm.
-
Clayton Mullen joins Facilities as Senior Manager of Thermal Utilities in Energy & Water Services
As Senior Manager of Thermal Utilities, Clayton will bring thermal utility managerial and operational experience. He will be leading the Thermal Utilities team to improve practices and processes.
-
UBC Flags lowered for National Day of Mourning
Flags on both UBC campuses are to be lowered in recognition of the National Day of Mourning, to remember lives lost in the workplace and resolve to prevent future tragedies.
-
UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence becomes the first Passive House-certified student residence in Canada
UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence has successfully earned its Passive House Certification, making it the first student residence in Canada and second in North America to receive this certification.
People of the VPFO
-
Leigh Clark successfully keeping used furniture out of landfill
Since Leigh joined UBC Vancouver as a Facilities Planner with Infrastructure Development just two years ago, she has successfully identified and implemented a solution for keeping redundant furniture out of landfill and putting it to use elsewhere at the university.
-
Siu Tse joins Energy & Water Services as Director of Engineering & Utilities
Siu joins us from the City of Port Coquitlam as their Deputy Director of Engineering & Operation and previously worked in City of Richmond, and Metro Vancouver.
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.