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

  • Safety Awareness Week is September 15–19, 2025

    Let’s start the year off right by learning how to keep yourself and the UBC community safe and secure on campus. During this week, visit UBC Campus Security’s information booths to learn about theft prevention and helpful safety and security…

    Read more: Safety Awareness Week is September 15–19, 2025
  • The Hennings Building Roof Renewal is underway 

    Estimated construction dates: August 25 – October 31, 2025. This project will renew the aging Hennings Building roof systems, remove redundant mechanical systems, and complete localized, minimally invasive seismic improvements.

    Read more: The Hennings Building Roof Renewal is underway 
  • Anthropology and Sociology (ANSO) Renewal set to begin in January 2026

    Currently, the envelope and infrastructure of the Anthropology and Sociology building are at the end of their service life. The building will be fully renewed with new systems, an upgraded envelope, and a revised interior layout to support modern research…

    Read more: Anthropology and Sociology (ANSO) Renewal set to begin in January 2026
  • Staying cool at UBC

    Explore these resources to help stay cool and safe during the heat. Cool off at these air-conditioned UBC Vancouver buildings: Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and Koerner Library. Avoid direct sunlight and drink lots of cool fluids.

    Read more: Staying cool at UBC
  • Read UBC’s 2025 Annual Financial Statements

    The Annual Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2025, are now available.

    Read more: Read UBC’s 2025 Annual Financial Statements

People of the VPFO

  • Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office

    Sandy Zarka will be seconded as the new Manager of Administration and Executive Assistant to the Interim President for the Presidential transition period. While Sandy is with the President’s Office, Holly Rail will continue in her current role as executive…

    Read more: Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office
  • Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner

    Co-created with the UBC Centre for Accessibility, this newly created role will help UBC develop accessibility design guidelines for new and existing campus buildings. Nicholas is a registered architect with over 10 years of experience in the design of new…

    Read more: Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner
  • David Sequeira joins Custodial Services as Assistant Supervisor

    In his new role, David will oversee the dayshift Custodial Services team and will work out of the Life Building. David comes to us from the Office of the Dean at the Faculty of Education with responsibility for Faculty-wide health…

    Read more: David Sequeira joins Custodial Services as Assistant Supervisor
  • Fabiola Ruiz-Aguilar joins Safety & Risk Services as Safety Advisor, Scientific Diving

    In her new role as Dive Safety Officer, Fabiola is responsible for developing, strengthening and growing the Scientific Diving program in compliance with WorkSafe BC, Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS) and CSA Ocean Sciences — after all the earth…

    Read more: Fabiola Ruiz-Aguilar joins Safety & Risk Services as Safety Advisor, Scientific Diving
  • VPFO HR team update

    Daisy Chan will be going on Maternity leave starting March 2023. During her leave, Kasia Burza will be temporarily promoted to an HR Advisor until September 2024, supporting AVPFO and Treasury. Alysa Garza will be joining as an HR Coordinator…

    Read more: VPFO HR team update