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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2022 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. This year, Facilities received over 60 nominations. Congratulations to our 2022…
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Happy holidays from John
It’s been another unique year at UBC as we have transitioned back to more normal operations after the pandemic, yet have undergone some significant changes. I’m proud of everyone’s efforts to build a cohesive Facilities team within the VP Finance…
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Holiday crime prevention tips from UBC Campus Security
Happy Holidays from UBC Campus Security! While you’re out enjoying the hustle and bustle of the holidays, keep these tips in mind for a safe, happy and crime-free season holiday season on campus.
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UBC embraces mass timber with $180 million Gateway Building
Wood construction allowed the University of British Columbia to represent three of its core values in designing the new Gateway Building: sustainability, personal well-being and Indigenous collaboration. The six-storey, 267,000-square-foot mass timber building is designed to be an iconic welcoming…
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Facilities teams work together to ensure an ideal exam experience for UBC students
Twice a year, at end of Term 1 and 2, Custodial Services and Municipal Services work together to set up Osborne Gym and Student Recreation Centre (SRC) Gym with 1,340 tables and chairs, to support and maintain an ideal exam experience…
People of the VPFO
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François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
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Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
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Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.
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Get to know: Ryan Huffman, Senior Project Manager with Project Services, Infrastructure Development
Ryan came to UBC because he used to get bored easily. Almost 7 years later, he’s discovered a job that brings him constant innovation, excitement, and the opportunity to bring his unique brand of positivity to his many UBC friends…
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Doug Cheung joins Treasury team in the position of Director, Treasury
Doug will be overseeing cash management together with the strategic long-term modelling and will also be involved in strategic initiatives such as the GBE (Government Business Entity) project with Student Housing and Hospitality Services.