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

  • 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
  • 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,…

    Read more: The Museum of Anthropology reopens to the public
  • 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.

    Read more: Sharing power between your car and campus: UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED)
  • 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…

    Read more: UBC Facilities recognized as a leader in cleaning with international certification

People of the VPFO

  • Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis

    Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…

    Read more: Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager

    Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…

    Read more: Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
  • Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services

    Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.

    Read more: Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek