Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
We are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety, risk management, and assurance across our university community.
The Vice-President Finance & Operations (VPFO) portfolio provides strategic stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, and leads safety, risk management, and assurance across the university. Guided by the values of innovation, unity, and accountability in the VPFO Strategic Plan and in alignment with the UBC Strategic Plan, the portfolio oversees a budget of over $4 billion, and all facilities across UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The portfolio also manages key relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust and is responsible for strategic development and management of UBC’s real estate assets to support the long-term benefit of the university community.

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
-
Read more: Join UBC in the 2019 United Way Campaign
Join UBC in the 2019 United Way Campaign
Every year, almost 800 of UBC staff and faculty donate to the UBC United Way campaign. Starting on Monday, Oct. 7, you can support the university’s only board-approved charity by becoming a UBC United Way donor.
-
Read more: Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO

Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO
VPFO strategic plan asks us to inspire great people. There’s nothing more inspiring than our Presidential Award-winning co-workers and how their dedication and service makes a daily difference at UBC.
-
Read more: Safety Practices and Awareness
Safety Practices and Awareness
This week’s incident at the West Parkade has left some of us reflecting on our safety practices and awareness. I would like to remind our VPFO community about some resources on campus to help you refresh your sense of safety.
-
Read more: Dawn Jia Announced as President and CEO of UBC IMANT
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.
-
Read more: UBC bioenergy facility acts as Living Lab for climate change leadership
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…
People of the VPFO
-
Read more: Welcome to Edward Ganal as Team Manager, Day Shift – Custodial Services
Welcome to Edward Ganal as Team Manager, Day Shift – Custodial Services
We are excited to announce Edward Ganal is the new Team Manager, Day Shift – Custodial Services. Edward steps into this position with over 17 years of UBC Custodial Services experience.
-
Read more: Jocelyn Bissett joins as Administrative Assistant to the VPFO
Jocelyn Bissett joins as Administrative Assistant to the VPFO
We are thrilled to announce that Jocelyn Bissett will be joining the VPFO Admin Team starting March 2, 2026, as an Administrative Assistant to the VPFO. She will primarily support the VPFO calendar and administrative tasks, working closely with the…
-
Read more: Alison Birdsall promoted to Director, Enterprise Risk Management
Alison Birdsall promoted to Director, Enterprise Risk Management
Effective February 16, 2026, Alison Birdsall has stepped into the role of Director, Enterprise Risk Management in Enterprise Risk & Assurance.
-
Read more: Samuel Boadi joins as Custodial Team Manager – Weekend Evenings
Samuel Boadi joins as Custodial Team Manager – Weekend Evenings
We are excited to welcome Samuel Boadi as our new Custodial Team Manager – Weekend Evenings.
-
Read more: Welcome Ramin Sabouhi to the Capital Financial Reporting Team
Welcome Ramin Sabouhi to the Capital Financial Reporting Team
We are pleased to officially welcome Ramin Sabouhi to the Capital Financial Reporting team as a Senior Financial Analyst.