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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Access card only for 5th floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3)
Effective May 1, the fifth floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3) will be restricted to card access only. Elevators to the fifth floor will be locked and restricted from public access. Learn more.
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Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4–10, 2025
Join us during Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) to increase our community’s resilience by learning about emergency preparedness. Start by getting informed on the risks in your community, make a plan, and then build a kit.
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Staples orders placed through Workday and Eway.ca
Staples Professional Inc. and Staples Canada ULC recently completed a legal amalgamation on March 9, 2025. UBC will be moving to a new supplier configuration on Workday under the name Staples Canada ULC from April 30 at 4:01 pm to…
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Ant season is here: Help keep pests away
Ants are one of the most common structural pests, capable of quickly turning from a minor nuisance into a persistent problem. If you notice any ants at your work space or building, submit a pest control service request in Planon!
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Energizing the future: SHED project wins 2025 SAB Award
The Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) – Hydrogen Generation and Fueling Station won a prestigious 2025 SAB Green Building Award for its excellence in energy innovation and environmental impact. This project is a unique partnership between industry and government to…
People of the VPFO
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Leigh Clark successfully keeping used furniture out of landfill
Since Leigh joined UBC Vancouver as a Facilities Planner with Infrastructure Development just two years ago, she has successfully identified and implemented a solution for keeping redundant furniture out of landfill and putting it to use elsewhere at the university.
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Siu Tse joins Energy & Water Services as Director of Engineering & Utilities
Siu joins us from the City of Port Coquitlam as their Deputy Director of Engineering & Operation and previously worked in City of Richmond, and Metro Vancouver.
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François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
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Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
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Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.