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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Philippa Horton Joins Financial Operations as Associate Director, Procurement Partnerships
In this new role Philippa will be responsible for overseeing the university’s team of Procurement Partners, and working with faculty and administrative units to ensure they are receiving a high level of procurement, sourcing, and payment support.
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Frank Crudo returns to Building Operations as Senior Manager, Architectural
We are excited to welcome back Frank, joining Building Operations’ Trades division and leading the architectural trades. As the Senior Manager, Frank will be responsible for the short and long-range planning of building architectural systems and the supervision of staff…
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Kishani Gibbons promoted as Director, Customer Services & Informatics with Building Operations
Effective March 5, 2020, Kishani will formally take on the Business Services team, forming the new division Customer Service & Informatics in Building Operations.
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Jeetender Amritsar joins Building Operations as Facilities Manager
Jeetender is the successful candidate to take over the Teal zone after Rob Macdonald retires at the end of March 2020. He will start his new role on March 2, 2020.
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VPFO Pink Shirt Day 2019/20 Staff Video
To capture the spirit of inclusion, in 2019 we worked with our partners at UBC Studios to create a video that captures some of the excitement. The video was played for all staff at the 2020 event.