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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Safety & Risk Services’ PrISM welcomes three new Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance
Jack Wong, Tom Powers, and Jeff de Castro joins PrISM as part of the Compliance Support Program. In their new role, they will each be taking on various challenges and find areas of improvement to support UBC’s mission as a…
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UBC Power House will begin preparation for demolition in early June 2023
In early June, the UBC Power House will begin preparation for demolition for the development of the new UBC Sauder School of Business expansion. During this project, there will be various levels of disruption and road closures.
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Metro Vancouver’s Watering Restrictions come into effect on May 1, 2023
Stage 1 of Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations will be in effect from May 1 to October 15, 2023, as outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. The region wide watering regulations are an effective way to help us use…
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Frontline heroes driving our campus forward
When you talk to Jeff or Amber, one of the first things you will notice is their genuine care for our beautiful campus and diverse community. Both professionals in their fields, Jeff and Amber work hard to ensure a safe,…
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UBC Investment Management has released its second annual Responsible Investing Report
The Report summarizes the firm’s responsible investing activities during 2022 in support of the ESG-related goals and objectives of the UBC Endowment Fund and the UBC Staff Pension Plan.
People of the VPFO
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Larisa Rohana joins EMMS Sustainment team in Facilities’ Customer Services & Informatics as a System Analyst II
As a System Analyst, Larisa will be working closely with the Facilities team on all items related to Planon, which includes responding to ServiceNow tickets, reviewing/addressing backlog items, and ensuring various technical activities are successfully completed in Planon.
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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…