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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Steven Lee is promoted to Learning Spaces team’s Senior Learning Space Planner within Facilities’ Infrastructure Development
Steven will be leading the Learning Spaces team within Facilities Planning and working closely with partners in AV IT and Scheduling Services to ensure the smooth operation and future planning for UBC General Teaching Space (GTS). Steven will be transitioning…
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Increase in mosquito activity may be attributable to this year’s weather pattern
UBC Facilities is aware that there is currently an increase in mosquito activity due to this summer’s weather pattern. Although, some may find mosquitos pesky because of their biting habit, Facilities does not manage the population of this insect.
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The latest Facility Condition Index is available
UBC Facilities has updated the diagrams that shows the condition of UBC Vancouver Point Grey owned buildings as assessed by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills (formerly Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training) in 2022. These diagrams…
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Okanagan wildfires
The past weeks have been difficult, as many of us watched the wildfire situation developing in the Okanagan and especially around our campus near Kelowna. I want to acknowledge our UBC Okanagan leadership and campus operations teams for pivoting and…
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Mobi public bike share network expands into UBC
UBC is enabling the expansion of the City of Vancouver’s Mobi by Shaw Go Bike Share program to the UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus through the installation of five fully-electrified bike share stations. Starting this week, construction will begin for…
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,…