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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University Services Building (USB) Lighting Renewal: Exterior work occurring October 6–8
Exterior lighting work is scheduled to begin this Monday, October 6. The west sidewalk on West Mall will be closed to pedestrian traffic. On October 8, work will begin on the north side of USB.
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New Monday yoga classes starting October 20 at the Centre
Starting October 20, we will be adding an additional yoga class to the Centre’s group class schedule! Sessions will be held on Mondays at 4:00 pm, offering a great way to relieve body tension and improve strength, flexibility and balance at…
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Are you prepared for an earthquake? ShakeOut and UBC Alert testing will take place on October 16
On October 16, 2025, practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 am during the annual Great BC ShakeOut. As part of ShakeOut, UBC will be testing its emergency notification system, UBC Alert. Learn more about how you…
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Help keep the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing organized and welcoming
Please return fitness equipment to their proper location after use. Our multi-purpose rooms are also used for in-person training sessions, so keeping the space clear and tidy ensures it’s safe and ready for everyone to use.
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UBC opens $45M Beaty Biodiversity Centre expansion
The new expansion will boost research and collaboration to tackle biodiversity loss with new spaces and technologies. Thank you to everyone involved in this project and who will be maintaining this building moving forward.
People of the VPFO
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Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…
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Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…
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Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…