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: The ISC’s Cross-Functional Product Support Team joins the Service Desk teams

The ISC’s Cross-Functional Product Support Team joins the Service Desk teams
As of October 7, the ISC Service Desk and ISC Cross-Functional Product Support, which provide direct system and integrated support to users, have been merged to establish a more cohesive resilient support model with a single point of accountability for…
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Read more: Brimacombe Building External Maintenance project begins

Brimacombe Building External Maintenance project begins
Construction on the Brimacombe Building External Maintenance project is anticipated to take place from October to mid-November 2025. The project will clean, prepare and paint external metal structural elements.
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Read more: Facilities teams fight clog monsters and leaks

Facilities teams fight clog monsters and leaks
Last week, Facilities teams tackled a double-header: a District Energy System piping leak at the Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory and a big clog monster at Chemistry North.
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Read more: Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned work starting October 16

Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned work starting October 16
During the water system adjustments, there will be no interruption to drinking water service. However, you may notice cloudiness or slight discolouration in the water for a few days. Drinking water remains safe for use and consumption at all times.
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Read more: Keep our shared spaces clean and welcoming: Check out the Classroom Usage Guidelines

Keep our shared spaces clean and welcoming: Check out the Classroom Usage Guidelines
Classrooms can be used as a study space when classes or other events are not in session. Please give priority to classes and room bookings. Follow the Classroom Usage Guidelines.
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.