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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Digital Payments Program: Cost recovery and credit card fees
Starting November 1, 2023, a cost recovery fee will be implemented for TouchNet, UBC’s new digital payment solution. Learn more about the cost recovery fee and credit card fee.
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Jenny Black joins UBC Facilities as Red Zone Facilities Manager
Jenny joins UBC Facilities’ Customer Services & Informatics team from UBC Athletics & Recreation where she has been working for the past 9 years as a facility coordinator and facility manager. Buildings in her portfolio have included the War Memorial…
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Jeannie Lee joins Facilities’ Energy & Water Services as Utilities Manager
Jeannie brings in extensive, local knowledge in both private and public engineering sectors focuses on utilities planning, stormwater management, and climate change resilience. Prior to joining UBC, Jeannie was the Senior Engineer in the City of Vancouver, leading their Flood…
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Safety on the Go. Download the UBC Safe Vancouver App
Download the UBC Safe Vancouver app and make sure you turn on your push notifications to receive timely updates and urgent notifications. The UBC Safe App is free and recommended for UBC students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.
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Are you prepared for an earthquake?
On October 19, 2023, practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:19 am during the annual Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill. Learn more about the drill and earthquake safety at ready.ubc.ca.
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,…