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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Reminder for UBC Visa credit cards expiring in November
If you have a UBC Visa card expiring in November, this is a reminder that your card will remain valid throughout the month and will officially expire on November 30. Stay tuned for more updates as the Credit Card Team…
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Protect yourself from the flu: Get your flu shots this fall
Starting October, 2024, Influenza vaccines will be available across British Columbia. The flu vaccines will be booked through the provincial government’s Get Vaccinated system. If you have already registered with the provincial Get Vaccinated system, you will not need to…
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Celebrating our staff who joined the 25 Year Club!
The 25 Year Club honours non-faculty staff members who have 25 or more years of uninterrupted or accumulated service at UBC. This year the inductees for 2024 highlighted many staff members from across our portfolio.
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Don’t feed the clog monster
Every time you flush paper towel, the dreaded clog monster grows, creating an increasingly large clog down in the building’s pipe system. This menacing fiend lurks in our pipes, causing clogs and backups in your spaces. The clog monster leads…
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Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned maintenance
As part of planned maintenance, Metro Vancouver water crews are working within the City of Vancouver, which may cause turbid water. There is a small possibility of increased water cloudiness in parts of Vancouver (including UBC) during this work. The…
People of the VPFO
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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,…