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

  • Celebrating success and inclusivity at the 2022 Winter Paralympics

    The 2022 Winter Paralympics was held in Beijing, China from March 4-13, 2022. The games are organized and delivered by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), with its vision to “make for an inclusive world through sport”.

    Read more: Celebrating success and inclusivity at the 2022 Winter Paralympics
  • 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

People of the VPFO

  • Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.

    Read more: Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
  • Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations

    Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…

    Read more: Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis