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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Read more: Engaging and celebrating our JOHSCs and LSTs at Safety Day 2025
Engaging and celebrating our JOHSCs and LSTs at Safety Day 2025
On October 8, representatives of UBC’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees (JOHSC) and Local Safety Teams (LST) gathered for a full day of learning and recognition for their efforts to ensure health and safety.
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Read more: A message from Frank: Touring the new Gateway Health Building
A message from Frank: Touring the new Gateway Health Building
Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the new Gateway Health Building and felt extremely proud of what our teams have helped bring to life. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this…
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Read more: Updates regarding university cheque mailing on campus
Updates regarding university cheque mailing on campus
As of October 11, 2025, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has moved from a full, national strike to rotating strikes. Campus postal services continue to resume this week, but delays are expected as Canada Post goes into rotating…
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Read more: Refreshed Facilities Manager lookup tool
Refreshed Facilities Manager lookup tool
The Facilities Manager lookup tool has been recently refreshed to help you quickly find information about your building and identify your assigned zone’s Facilities Manager, including their contact details.
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Read more: Plan your vacation early: Make the most of your time off
Plan your vacation early: Make the most of your time off
As year-end approaches, please review your vacation balance and plan ahead. UBC’s policy allows only a limited number of days to be carried over, so scheduling early helps avoid last-minute challenges while supporting your own wellbeing and team continuity. Connect…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations
Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations
Meynardo joined Building Operations in September 2012 as a carpenter in the Yellow Zone Carpenter and later became the Sub-head for the Carpenter Shop. Bringing a wealth of trade and customer service experience, Meynardo will help to build out processes…
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Read more: Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office
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…
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Read more: Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner
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…
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Read more: David Sequeira joins Custodial Services as Assistant Supervisor
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…
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Read more: Fabiola Ruiz-Aguilar joins Safety & Risk Services as Safety Advisor, Scientific Diving
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…