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

  • Shaping the portfolio at VPFO Day

    Over the past two weeks, our portfolio hosted five VPFO Day events (UBCV main; UBCV morning, night, and evening shifts; and UBCO) to create opportunities for our diverse teams to meet, connect and learn about our portfolio’s direction.

    Read more: Shaping the portfolio at VPFO Day
  • The Centre welcomes new yoga instructor Tania Clarke

    Starting Wednesday, July 2, Tania Clarke will join The Centre as our new yoga instructor. It is Tania’s mission to help guide you towards a pain free life and a better relationship with pain management and prevention.

    Read more: The Centre welcomes new yoga instructor Tania Clarke
  • UBC’s first report on fighting against forced labor and child labor in Supply Chains now available

    UBC is proud to release its inaugural report under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Read the full report to support our commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. This report will be updated…

    Read more: UBC’s first report on fighting against forced labor and child labor in Supply Chains now available
  • Understanding how operations and maintenance are funded at UBC

    Over the past decade, UBC has grown considerably and now is similar to a city or town, in addition to being a university campus. With a dynamic and growing population, UBC Facilities recognizes the need to provide transparency on how…

    Read more: Understanding how operations and maintenance are funded at UBC
  • Collaborating across UBC to prepare campus for climate-change emergencies

    We have seen the harmful effects of extreme heat, extreme rainfall, and wildfire events in BC over the past few years. To help UBC prepare for climate change-related emergencies, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management alongside faculty partners created the…

    Read more: Collaborating across UBC to prepare campus for climate-change emergencies

People of the VPFO

  • Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk

    Through supporting engagement and communication activities, Wendy will enhance the team’s ability to make data readily available to staff managers.

    Read more: Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk
  • Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  

    Custodial Services’ staff celebrated Vaisakhi on Friday morning at the start of the shift in the UBC Life Building Custodial deployment office. Special thanks to Balvir Bains and Charanjit Bains for organizing this celebration!

    Read more: Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  
  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC