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

  • Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager

    Leveraging her robust experience in continuous improvement and problem solving, in addition to her passion for driving efficiency and collaboration, Lubna will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.

    Read more: Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
  • A Walk Through Time

    Construction work along the sidewalks on the south and south-east side of the Earth Sciences Building has started, as part of an exhibit extension of the Pacific Museum of Earth. The museum will be installing a ribbon of steel plates…

    Read more: A Walk Through Time
  • Four newly funded projects aimed at boosting sustainability at UBC Vancouver

    Four new Campus as a Living Lab (CLL) sustainability projects have just been awarded a share of $200,000 in funding, and will be set in motion this year on the UBC Vancouver campus. All these projects show ways to improve…

    Read more: Four newly funded projects aimed at boosting sustainability at UBC Vancouver
  • Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Labs Renewal Project wins VRCA’s Gold Awards of Excellence

    After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) recognized the finest in BC’s construction industry at its 32nd annual Awards of Excellence gala. UBC’s Undergraduate Life Science Teaching Labs Renewal—Biological Sciences Building project was…

    Read more: Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Labs Renewal Project wins VRCA’s Gold Awards of Excellence
  • Synchronizing our clocks at UBC

    As part of UBC’s asset renewal initiative for buildings and equipment on campus, a project has been identified to progressively upgrade all of UBC’s synchronized clock technology in order to improve service reliability for campus users, while reducing long-term maintenance…

    Read more: Synchronizing our clocks at UBC

People of the VPFO

  • Maliheh Oliver, Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn, Privacy and Security Advisor join PrISM in Safety & Risk Services

    Privacy & Information Security (PrISM) in Safety & Risk Services is pleased to welcome Maliheh Oliver as Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn as Privacy and Security Advisor.

    Read more: Maliheh Oliver, Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn, Privacy and Security Advisor join PrISM in Safety & Risk Services
  • In memory of March Cheng

    It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of our dear friend and colleague March Cheng. March consistently made a positive impact on every team she was a part of. Her knowledge of payroll was second…

    Read more: In memory of March Cheng
  • 2022 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners

    The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. This year, Facilities received over 60 nominations. Congratulations to our 2022…

    Read more: 2022 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
  • Congratulations to our successful CFE writers for 2022

    Please join UBC Finance in congratulating Wesam Mostadi, Accounts Payable Team Lead in the VP Finance & Operations, and Anas Qartoumeh, Finance Manager in VP Research and Innovation (VPRI) Portfolio in UBC Okanagan on passing their 2022 Common Final Exam…

    Read more: Congratulations to our successful CFE writers for 2022
  • Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services

    Sam has been a driving force in finding opportunities to build a stronger foundation for our Campus Security teams. His extensive experience in leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security, and Risk Management roles in the public sector will make…

    Read more: Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services