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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Read more: VPFO Update – April 28
VPFO Update – April 28
The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on April 28, 2025.
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Read more: Support available following Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy
Support available following Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy
On April 26, a senseless attack at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver left many in our city and across the country heartbroken. As part of UBC’s broader community response, the university is offering additional mental health and counselling supports.…
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Read more: Access card only for 5th floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3)
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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Read more: Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4–10, 2025
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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Read more: Staples orders placed through Workday and Eway.ca
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…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan joined UBC in September 2019 working as a project carpenter in Building Operations. He participated in continuing education by volunteering for the Expression of Interest Program (EOI) program back in 2020, and since then has supported the crew as…
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Read more: Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Peter Smailes, Vice-President, Finance and Operations, is leaving UBC to take up a new opportunity at Kwantlen Polytechnic University as their Vice-President, Administration.
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Read more: Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene with Occupational Health & Safety welcomes Eve Neesham-Grenon to the team as the Safety Associate focused primarily on the Biological & Radiation Safety Programs. Eve brings a fantastic mix of laboratory and hygiene experience to…
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Read more: Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within the Occupational Health & Safety, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.
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Read more: Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Leveraging her robust experience in continuous improvement and problem solving, in addition to her passion for driving efficiency and collaboration, Lubna will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.