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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Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Peter Smailes, Vice-President, Finance and Operations, is leaving UBC to take up a new opportunity at Kwantlen Polytechnic University as their Vice-President, Administration.
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Agronomy Road closure between Wesbrook Mall to Health Sciences Mall
Crane activity is scheduled on April 7, 2022, as part of the boiler replacement project for the existing low-pressure steam system serving the Life Sciences Centre and Pharmaceutical Sciences Building’s humidification load. During this work, Agronomy Road between Wesbrook Mall…
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Review UBC’s Updated Business Expense Rules for Faculty and Staff
Most employees at UBC will need to use university funds to conduct university business at some time. UBC’s Business Expense Rules form the framework for incurring and reimbursing these expenses and help ensure we all use public funds reasonably, appropriately,…
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UBC’s budget for 2022/23 provides more support for students, strengthens the university’s impact, and advances academic mission
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Board of Governors has approved UBC’s 2022/2023 budget. The new budget sets spending priorities for the year ahead to advance the university’s key strategic priorities while supporting students, faculty, and staff in their collective…
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Responding to on-campus protests disruptions
If a demonstration or protests is blocking access to your building or interrupting classes, we advise that you report the incident to Campus Security at 604-822-2222, and look for another location to enter and/or exit the building if safe to…
People of the VPFO
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.