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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HSBC-RBC Transition project website is now live
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada (HSBC) was legally completed on March 28, 2024. A new HSBC-RBC Transition project website has been created to help the finance community follow along with UBC’s transition plan.
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UBC Third Quarter 2023/24 Financial Report is now available
The university’s third quarter 2023/24 financial report is now available on the UBC Finance website.
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Keeping the clean water flowing to campus – 16th Ave Water Main Replacement begins April 15
This project will replace 400 metres of aging water main infrastructure along 16th Avenue. Expect noise and traffic changes along the route.
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Water dispensing and filtration equipment
Drinking water on the UBC Vancouver campus comes from Metro Vancouver’s water system, and is regularly tested to maintain high-quality drinking water. But if a faculty/department would like to order third-party water dispensing and filtration equipment, this order and ongoing maintenance or…
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50% off furniture at the Zero Waste Market
As spring rolls around, the Zero Waste Market is excited to announce that during April and May, will be 50% off, with some items free. Stop by to check out the furniture, stationary, lamps, and unique vintage items! Learn more.
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.