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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Join us at the Clog Monster event!
Every time you flush paper towels, the dreaded Clog Monster grows, creating an increasingly large clog down in the building’s pipe system. Join us at the Clog Monster campaign kickoff on September 17!
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Earthquake and emergency preparedness workshops
Join a free personal emergency preparedness workshop designed specifically for the UBC campus community, hosted by Jackie Kloosterboer – Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Support Services Specialist.
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Tips for VPFO file storage
Review the following recommendations for file storage in One Drive, Teams, and Teamshare/Network Folders to learn how to best organize your files for collaboration and efficiency within the VPFO.
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Strengthening Transformation & Strategy to enable a more sustainable future for UBC
The Transformation & Strategy team works closely with our colleagues within the VP Finance & Operations portfolio and partners across the university.
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Air quality warning in effect for Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including UBC are currently under an air quality warning for fine particulate matter due to wildfire smoke. Find information on health and safety during elevated wildfire smoke periods.
People of the VPFO
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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.
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Get to know: Ryan Huffman, Senior Project Manager with Project Services, Infrastructure Development
Ryan came to UBC because he used to get bored easily. Almost 7 years later, he’s discovered a job that brings him constant innovation, excitement, and the opportunity to bring his unique brand of positivity to his many UBC friends…