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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UBC IMANT introduces new name, logo and website
UBC IMANT is introducing a new operating name, as well as a new visual identity and updated website. While their legal name remains unchanged (“UBC Investment Management Trust Inc.”), going forward they will be doing business as UBC Investment Management.
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Improving our workplace together
UBC is committed to advancing Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EDI) through our Inclusion Action Plan, and by working together, moving our ideas into actions. Our next step is that each of you take the time to complete the mandatory EDI…
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Classroom conversion in H.R. MacMillan, Room 360
The existing drop in lounge and study space in H.R. MacMillan, Room 360 is currently undergoing a full conversion to a 170+ student classroom and lecture space.
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Video Resource to Navigate Accrual Reports in Workday
A video tutorial has been created to help the community navigate the two new accrual reports in the period close dashboard on Workday: Accrual Report for Supplier Invoices – Distributed, Accrual Report for Expense Reports – Distributed.
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PeopleSoft to be decommissioned by end of October
As the PeopleSoft HRMS and FMS platforms are decommissioned, the web interface and backend will be turned off and the portal will no longer be accessible. Visit cio.ubc.ca/peoplesoft for more information and updates as the decommissioning progresses.
People of the VPFO
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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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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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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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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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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.