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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UBC Facilities teams collected over 100 lbs. of garbage at Clean up the Campus
Thirty-one dedicated members of our UBC Facilities team joined forces for the 4th Annual Earth Day Clean up the Campus event, led by the Municipal Services’ Waste Management team. In total, they collected 192 pounds of litter from around UBC…
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Working together to create a smooth exam setup process
Setting up exam spaces is not an easy task. This year, the Learning Spaces team took over the coordination of final exam setup, working together with Custodial Services and Municipal Services to continue improving the exam setup process.
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Metro Vancouver’s watering restrictions come into effect on May 1, 2024
Did you know that your lawn needs as little as 2 cm of water a week— equivalent to one hour of rain or watering—to stay healthy? Starting May 1, stage 1 of Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations will be in…
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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.
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Ant season is here
Ants are one of the most common structural pests, capable of quickly turning from a minor nuisance into a persistent problem. Learn about what draws ants into your workspace to help manage and prevent infestations.
People of the VPFO
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Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.
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Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…
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Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.
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Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.
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Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…