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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The Museum of Anthropology reopens to the public
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) upgrades are complete and the museum reopened to the public last week. The reopening weekend coincided with the museum’s 75th anniversary and events and performances were held to celebrate. Many VPFO staff attended the reopening,…
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Sharing power between your car and campus: UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED)
In partnership with industry and government, UBC MéridaLabs created the SHED, a living laboratory that emulates links between energy, transportation, and urban design. UBC Facilities’ managed the project’s construction, bringing this complex, innovative project into reality.
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UBC Facilities recognized as a leader in cleaning with international certification
UBC Facilities achieved the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Green Building (GB) advanced by GBAC with Honours certification. This certification from ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry, places UBC in the elite top tier of all…
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Safety & Risk Service’s Compliance Support Program wins nationally at the 2024 CAUBO Conference
The Information Security Compliance Support Program, an initiative within UBC’s PrISM Program, won a Q&P Award for the project’s excellence in fostering cybersecurity compliance and safety. The PrISM Program is a partnership between Safety & Risk Services, the Office of…
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Preparing for FY25 Q1 Forecast: What you need to know
In preparation for the FY25 Q1 forecast in Adaptive Planning, please review the following Q1 2025 Guidelines and References. Zoom forecast update sessions will also be available for the Finance community. More information is available on the Finance website.
People of the VPFO
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Leigh Clark successfully keeping used furniture out of landfill
Since Leigh joined UBC Vancouver as a Facilities Planner with Infrastructure Development just two years ago, she has successfully identified and implemented a solution for keeping redundant furniture out of landfill and putting it to use elsewhere at the university.
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Siu Tse joins Energy & Water Services as Director of Engineering & Utilities
Siu joins us from the City of Port Coquitlam as their Deputy Director of Engineering & Operation and previously worked in City of Richmond, and Metro Vancouver.
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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…
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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.
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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.