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

  • Staying safe during wildfire season

    Wildfires are becoming more prevalent, devastating and enduring in British Columbia, and is a seasonal occupational hazard for many workers. People may feel mild exposure symptoms such as a sore throat, shortness of breath, and irritated eyes. Wildfire smoke may…

    Read more: Staying safe during wildfire season
  • Alicia Chan joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst in UBC Comptroller

    Alicia brings diverse experience in financial reporting, long term capital planning and forecasting, interpreting complex financial data and effectively communicating to stakeholders. In her new role, Alicia will focus on the accurate reporting of our capital project funding and Deferred…

    Read more: Alicia Chan joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst in UBC Comptroller
  • Annual Facility Condition Assessments of UBC owned buildings

    The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills (formerly Ministry of Advanced Education & Skills Training), has engaged VFA (The Gordian Group Inc.) to perform their annual Facility Condition Assessments of UBC owned buildings. During this visit, VFA assessors will…

    Read more: Annual Facility Condition Assessments of UBC owned buildings
  • Cathy Myles joins Safety & Risk Services’ Insurance & Loss Prevention team

    Cathy is joining Safety & Risk Services on a full-time, contract basis to help lead the team through a current & future state analysis and transfer of risk including insurance risk management operations and programs.

    Read more: Cathy Myles joins Safety & Risk Services’ Insurance & Loss Prevention team
  • Brock Commons North officially opens its doors

    The University of British Columbia has officially opened the doors of the new Brock Commons North student residence building, providing 316 additional beds for students. The 18-storey, $59 million building is part of the Brock Commons residence area, which includes…

    Read more: Brock Commons North officially opens its doors

People of the VPFO

  • 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.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • 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.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • 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,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Aaron Mogerman appointed Director, Infrastructure Development in UBC Okanagan

    Aaron will head up the new department as the first Director for UBC Okanagan’s Infrastructure Development. He has been an important part of the Infrastructure Development team in Vancouver for a long time and will bring his solid project management…

    Read more: Aaron Mogerman appointed Director, Infrastructure Development in UBC Okanagan
  • Hoi Ying Yu joins Building Operations as Contract Manager

    Hoi will be responsible for managing Building Operations’ service contracts and oversee internal revenue generating contracts. She will be working closely with the trades, project coordinators, and managers to ensure Building Operations’ Preventative Maintenance and Service contracts continue providing value to…

    Read more: Hoi Ying Yu joins Building Operations as Contract Manager