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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MOA Great Hall Renewal project is coming together
Over the last 6 months, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA): Great Hall Renewal project team has been working on foundations, pre-cast and cast in place structures. Once the structure has been completed, skylights and vertical glazing will be ready for…
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Newly installed Musqueam art pieces at Henry Angus Building
Facilities recently coordinated the installation of three Musqueam Art pieces created by Susan Point, a Coast Salish artist from Musqueam and a First Nation in Vancouver, British Columbia, in the atrium of the Henry Angus Building.
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UBC’s transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic
As of today (May 15), the university has disestablished the COVID-19 Campus Rules which provided vital guidance for our community during the pandemic. In addition, previous COVID-19 resources such as the main websites, FAQS and signage will be removed or…
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Successful bike recovery: a collaboration between Campus Security, partners and the community
A success story of a good samaritan working with Campus Security and partners to recover a stolen bike. To tackle bike theft on campus, UBC has partnered with Project 529, a community-based bike registration and recovery service. It only takes…
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Monitoring UBC’s hot water district energy system for leaks
The Academic District Energy System (ADES) is fitted with a leak detection system which alarms against both hot water and ground water leaks through a protective insulation jacket. The system is monitored 24/7 by the Facilities team and enables the…
People of the VPFO
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Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.
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Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team.
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Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.
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Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…
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Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs
“Food brings people together,” explains Bryan Antenor, Customer Support Manager in Financial Operations. “Connecting over potlucks, having a few good laughs and participating in highly competitive Mario Kart Switch tournaments are just some of the simple yet effective ways we…