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
-
François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
-
Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
-
UBC Finance Receives Sustainable Purchasing Award from International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories
UBC joined a number of leading research university in receiving the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Award after demonstrating an improvement in sustainable procurement practices.
-
UBC celebrates the official opening of the Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories
Students from British Columbia and around the world can now study for careers in the life sciences, such as genetics, health care, conservation and ecology, in the renovated and expanded Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories at UBC.
-
Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.
People of the VPFO
-
Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.
-
Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team.
-
Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.
-
Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…
-
Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs
“Food brings people together,” explains Bryan Antenor, Customer Support Manager in Financial Operations. “Connecting over potlucks, having a few good laughs and participating in highly competitive Mario Kart Switch tournaments are just some of the simple yet effective ways we…