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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Dawn Jia Announced as President and CEO of UBC IMANT
In her role, Dawn will be responsible for the overall investment management of UBC IMANT’s portfolios, including the selection and oversight of institutional investment fund managers, and ensuring that UBC IMANT’s strategic and operating objectives are achieved.
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UBC bioenergy facility acts as Living Lab for climate change leadership
Energy & Water Services had an operational need to provide heat to the university community and reduce emissions, and researchers in the Faculty of Applied Sciences had an interest in related research. Together, they were able to create a platform…
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BRDF, UBC’s innovative heat and power facility boosted by federal investment
A $20.4 million expansion of UBC’s innovative Bioenergy Facility (BRDF) will receive up to $7.6 million in support from the federal government’s low-carbon economy fund.
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The new Exchange Residence at Gage South & UBC Bus Exchange featured in August issue of Award
Resulting from a partnership between the University of British Columbia and TransLink, the new Exchange Residence at Gage South & UBC Bus Exchange demonstrates how one site can comfortably serve a full range of purposes.
People of the VPFO
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Esther Li promoted to Senior Financial Processing Specialist in Treasury
Reporting to Chen Shi, Treasury Accounting Manager, Esther will continue to be responsible for the incoming payments while playing a critical role in more complicated bank reconciliations and other banking side responsibilities.
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Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
Jen Sheel takes pride in what her team does… and it shows. When you meet Jen, one of the first things you see is her dedication to making UBC a place that invites and builds connections. She fiercely believes that…
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Josephine Shen joins the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team as a Financial Analyst
In her new role, Josephine will play a key role in developing the Strategic Initiatives’ multi-year forecasting model and maintaining various financial models (i.e. Contingency and PAEI) at UBC.
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Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC.
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Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
Holly Shepherd has been promoted to Director, Treasury with overall responsibility for overseeing tax, contracts, leases & licences, housing loans, payment card industry compliance, service levy and Treasury Accounting.