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

  • What do we mean when we say “budget”?

    UBC’s annual budget process is underway and in the VPFO that means we’re working on the portfolio financial plan that will feed into the university-wide budget proposal, as well as overseeing the university-wide process. At the same time, we’re also…

    Read more: What do we mean when we say “budget”?
  • Lance Xu joins Campus Security as Secure Access Technician

    Lance Xu joins Campus Security as a Secure Access Technician. Lance is a dedicated security access technician with a profound passion for the physical security industry. He joins us from Chubb Security and is currently attending BCIT and working towards…

    Read more: Lance Xu joins Campus Security as Secure Access Technician
  • 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.

    Read more: Digital Payments Program: Cost recovery and credit card fees
  • 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…

    Read more: Jenny Black joins UBC Facilities as Red Zone Facilities Manager
  • 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…

    Read more: Jeannie Lee joins Facilities’ Energy & Water Services as Utilities Manager

People of the VPFO

  • Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis

    Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…

    Read more: Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager

    Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…

    Read more: Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
  • Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services

    Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.

    Read more: Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek