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

  • German president’s visit to UBC highlights clean energy and climate change solutions

    UBC welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday, April 25. During his visit, President Steinmeier toured UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) – a soon-to-open hydrogen fuelling station that showcases integrated energy generation for smart cities. Located next to a…

    Read more: German president’s visit to UBC highlights clean energy and climate change solutions
  • Upgrades & renovations in Orchard Commons Room 1001

    Orchard Commons Room 1001 is currently undergoing renovation work to create an active learning classroom. The new layout will be a high tech ‘learn lab’, featuring group tables with technology that allows both instructors and students to share their work…

    Read more: Upgrades & renovations in Orchard Commons Room 1001
  • We are the VPFO: Join us on May 31

    The VPFO is a team, our work is connected, and we achieve great things for UBC by working together. On May 31 we have an opportunity to gather and hear from our new Vice-President Frank Laezza, as well as to connect with…

    Read more: We are the VPFO: Join us on May 31
  • Maintaining an ideal exam experience at UBC

    Setting up an exam space is not an easy task — it requires hours of hard work and strict compliance with UBC’s exam requirements, especially with the setup of tables and chairs and delivery of exam booklets, to ensure a…

    Read more: Maintaining an ideal exam experience at UBC
  • Meet UBC’s new cogeneration engine

    UBC’s replacement cogeneration engine, the Jenbacher J-612 arrived in its new home inside the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) engine room on April 6, 2023, and is being commissioned for operation in May 2023.

    Read more: Meet UBC’s new cogeneration engine

People of the VPFO

  • Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services

    Today is David Woodson’s last day at UBC as Managing Director, Energy & Water Services after 23½ years of outstanding service and many great memories. I am pleased to announce that Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services while we…

    Read more: Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services
  • Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit

    Prior to joining us, Shilan was a Research Safety Coordinator at Simon Fraser University, where she acted as the EHS (environment, health, and safety) resource person for the Local Joint Health & Safety Committee to provide updates on policies and practices and address…

    Read more: Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit
  • Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting

    Sandy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 16 years of accounting experience across various industries. She will partner with other VPFO team members to continuously improve business processes and enable effective financial management throughout the portfolio.

    Read more: Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting
  • Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities

    Stuart will be responsible for developing and managing programs to achieve the implementation of infrastructure and services plans, reporting to Doug Doyle, Senior Manager, and work closely with the Mechanical Utilities unit.

    Read more: Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities
  • Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff  

    The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC. See the full list of VPFO team…

    Read more: Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff