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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Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke
Lower Mainland continues to see poor air quality values as a result of the thick wildfire smoke in BC. Find resources about air quality health and safety awareness and the best ways to protect yourself.
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Generator load bank testing schedule
The regulatory Annual Load Bank Emergency Generator tests will take place in buildings across campus starting on September 12, 2022, until November 1, 2022.
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Thank you from Vice-President, Finance, Karamjeet Heer
A short while ago, the President’s Office sent a Bulletin to the university announcing some changes in the VPFO’s senior leadership team. I have accepted a new position with Simon Fraser University (SFU) as their Associate Vice-President, Finance and my…
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Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations, portfolio
Karamjeet Heer will be leaving UBC to take up a new role at Simon Fraser University. She joined the university in 2019 as Comptroller and was more recently appointed as interim Vice-President, Finance. As of Nov. 1, Yale Loh will…
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Work continues on the UBC Hydrogen Fueling Station
On August 18, UBC Facilities began the assembly of the Hydrogen Fueling Station’s canopy, which will provide weather protection for the hydrogen dispenser users during fueling and visitors who are interested in learning more about the project at the plaza.…
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.