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

  • Browse the refreshed VPFO Update archive

    The archive section of our VPFO newsletter just got a refresh! Browse through the VPFO Update archive to find a past newsletter or update from the portfolio!

    Read more: Browse the refreshed VPFO Update archive
  • UBC’s newest state-of-the art fitness centre opens

    UBC Vancouver has tripled indoor fitness and recreation space with the opening of Recreation Centre North (RCN). The soft opening of the facility began on June 23 and will continue through June 29.

    Read more: UBC’s newest state-of-the art fitness centre opens
  • Preparing for your first visit to the Rec North Fitness Centre

    The Rec North Fitness Centre is spread across four floors so we’ve put together a few tools to help you familiarize yourself with the space before you visit. Learn more about the Fitness Centre through a floor-by-floor equipment guide, tips…

    Read more: Preparing for your first visit to the Rec North Fitness Centre
  • Campus Security report to our community is now available

    The 2024 Campus Security annual report to our community is now available, offering a comprehensive look at the department’s progress, priorities, and future direction. Aligned with the VP Finance & Operations’ Strategic Plan and Safety & Risk Services Business Plan,…

    Read more: Campus Security report to our community is now available
  • Two UBC projects featured in the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Innovation magazine

    The UBC Pharmacy Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) System was featured for its innovative approach to energy efficiency. Congratulations to our UBC Facilities team and everyone involved in this project!

    Read more: Two UBC projects featured in the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Innovation magazine

People of the VPFO

  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC
  • Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development

    In his new role, Noel will be leading one of the teams of project managers in Project Services, and continue his present scope of work of directly managing complex projects such as Jack Bell Building Renewal and Faculty of Applied…

    Read more: Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development
  • Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer

    She joins us from BCIT as the Energy Manager, where she managed a team of engineers and BMS technicians to implement robust process improvements to increase energy efficiency across the Institute. The projects and process improvements she has implemented during…

    Read more: Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer