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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Hailey Maxwell steps into new role as Director, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning
Starting September 3, Hailey Maxwell will be stepping into her new role as Director, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning. In this new role, Hailey will also be joining the Safety & Risk Services leadership team.
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Safety Awareness Week is September 9–13, 2024
September 9–13 is Safety Awareness Week. Let’s start the year off right by learning how to keep yourself and the UBC community safe and secure on campus.
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Fiona Jones joins UBC Facilities as Accessible Buildings Planner, Capital Planning & Development
We are excited to announce that Fiona Jones will be joining the Capital Planning + Development team within UBC Facilities as the Accessible Buildings Planner on September 9, for a two-year term. Fiona brings extensive expertise in architecture and inclusive…
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Learn how to navigate UBC’s Indigenous Business Directory
A new video guide on how to use the Indigenous Business Directory is now available to help you locate and identify Indigenous businesses for your procurement needs. Supporting Indigenous businesses for procurement is encouraged to further advance Indigenous engagement and…
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Do you know what do in an emergency?
Stop by the Emergency Management booth on Imagine UBC on September 3 to learn more about emergency preparedness and the resources available to plan for emergency situations. Visit the Quake Cottage on September 4 to experience an earthquake simulator.
People of the VPFO
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Sean Lynch steps into role as Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities
Starting June 6, Sean Lynch will be Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities. He joined UBC in 2011 in Student Housing & Community Services and joined Custodial Services as Operations Manager in 2017.
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Caroline Macleod promoted to Executive Assistant to Associate Vice-President, Facilities
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this role and will be responsible for liaising with the wider University community and fostering working relationships with Senior Executives across the University. Caroline will be the primary contact person for John Metras,…
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Changes in the VPFO HR team
We are pleased to announce a number of positive changes on the VPFO Human Resources team. We have prepared a service map to help you navigate these changes and understand the roles and assigned departments of our team members.
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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…