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: New Monday yoga classes starting October 20 at the Centre

New Monday yoga classes starting October 20 at the Centre
Starting October 20, we will be adding an additional yoga class to the Centre’s group class schedule! Sessions will be held on Mondays at 4:00 pm, offering a great way to relieve body tension and improve strength, flexibility and balance at…
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Read more: Are you prepared for an earthquake? ShakeOut and UBC Alert testing will take place on October 16

Are you prepared for an earthquake? ShakeOut and UBC Alert testing will take place on October 16
On October 16, 2025, practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 am during the annual Great BC ShakeOut. As part of ShakeOut, UBC will be testing its emergency notification system, UBC Alert. Learn more about how you…
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Read more: Ensure invoices are submitted to ubc.invoices@ubc.ca

Ensure invoices are submitted to ubc.invoices@ubc.ca
The designated UBC Accounts Payable (AP) email address for submitting invoices is ubc.invoices@ubc.ca. Please double check you have the correct email and update Outlook email templates to ensure smooth processing.
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Read more: Help keep the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing organized and welcoming

Help keep the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing organized and welcoming
Please return fitness equipment to their proper location after use. Our multi-purpose rooms are also used for in-person training sessions, so keeping the space clear and tidy ensures it’s safe and ready for everyone to use.
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Read more: UBC opens $45M Beaty Biodiversity Centre expansion

UBC opens $45M Beaty Biodiversity Centre expansion
The new expansion will boost research and collaboration to tackle biodiversity loss with new spaces and technologies. Thank you to everyone involved in this project and who will be maintaining this building moving forward.
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.