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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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
People of the VPFO
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Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…
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Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
In her new role, Susan will continue to oversee the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) process, including major projects such as the Integrated Security Program Student (IRPS) as well as the portfolio of operational PIAs and advisory services.
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Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
In his new role, Norman will help lead continuity planning for the Vancouver Point Grey campus. Working with academic units, he will assist in the roll-out of our Continuity Planning Framework and the creation of Continuity Plans for faculties using a…
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Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Christine Lin as Tax Analyst, reporting to Holly Shepherd, Tax Manager effective May 16, 2022. Christine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in corporate and indirect tax within the oil and gas…