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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Are you earthquake ready? Join a free workshop for UBC Faculty and staff on June 13
In Vancouver, we are at risk of significant emergencies, including large earthquakes. Join a free personal emergency preparedness workshop designed for UBC Faculty and staff on June 13, 12:00–1:30 pm (online).
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Forest Sciences Centre Elevator Modernization Project to begin on June 23
Construction on the Forest Sciences Centre Elevator Modernization Project is anticipated to begin on June 23 and estimated to be complete by the end of October 2025. The project will fully upgrade elevators #1, #2, and #3, and renew the…
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Construction on accessibility upgrades at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health to begin on June 2
This project involves accessibility upgrades of a select door at the atrium on Level 3 to provide an accessible path of travel to the L3 lab, meeting rooms, and the administration office. Expect noise from renovation work at door 3410:1,…
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Pedestrian pathway south of West Parkade closed June 2 until the end of July for construction
The underground utility construction portion of the West Mall Swing Space conversion from natural gas to the District Energy System is anticipated to begin on June 2. The pedestrian path between the West Parkade and the University Services Building and…
People of the VPFO
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Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan joined UBC in September 2019 working as a project carpenter in Building Operations. He participated in continuing education by volunteering for the Expression of Interest Program (EOI) program back in 2020, and since then has supported the crew as…
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Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Peter Smailes, Vice-President, Finance and Operations, is leaving UBC to take up a new opportunity at Kwantlen Polytechnic University as their Vice-President, Administration.
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Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene with Occupational Health & Safety welcomes Eve Neesham-Grenon to the team as the Safety Associate focused primarily on the Biological & Radiation Safety Programs. Eve brings a fantastic mix of laboratory and hygiene experience to…
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Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within the Occupational Health & Safety, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.
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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.