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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Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management hosted Rapid Damage Assessment Drill
On June 16, 2022, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management held a drill for UBC staff who had completed BC Housing’s Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) and Coordination of Damage Assessment (CDA) training, in partnership with partners at BC Housing.
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UBC Facilities working with UBC student team to build a net zero carbon student space on campus
UBC Facilities is working with the UBC student team to start construction of a new student space on campus that redefines sustainable design, and aims to build a net-zero student space on campus.
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UBC’s 5-Year Capital Plan approved by UBC Board of Governors
UBC’s 5-Year Capital Plan was recently endorsed in the Board Committee meeting, in advance of submission to the province in July. A number of projects also received approval in the Board Committee meeting on June 29, 2022.
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Bold new plans unveiled for UBCO Downtown
Recently published photos and a video show how UBCO Downtown will weave excellence in research and teaching into the cultural, economic and social fabric of Kelowna’s downtown core.
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Announcing the search for a new Vice-President, Finance & Operations
President Santa Ono has launched a search for a new Vice-President, Finance & Operations, and is seeking your views on the qualities you’d like to see in this appointment
People of the VPFO
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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.
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Cristine Estrada joins UBC’s Financial Operations as Procurement Sourcing Manager
As Procurement Sourcing Manager, Cristine will play a vital role in leading the Procurement Sourcing team to support our community in meeting their needs through the competitive bidding process, leveraging Bonfire and Workday processes.
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James Woo promoted to Project Manager in Facilities’ Infrastructure Development
Since joining Project Services in March 2020, James has continually built his expertise on UBC’s high standards and technical guidelines while building trusting relationships with UBC clients and stakeholders.
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Polina Sefin joins as Service Centre Coordinator within Customer Services & Informatics, Facilities
When dealing with inquiries and supply chain-related issues, Polina’s approach is to always work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and aim for the best outcome of each request received. Her robust customer service skills and experience working in complex organizations in…
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Conor Hourigan promoted to Subhead Millwright in Building Operations
Conor’s expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining various mechanical equipment throughout campus has enabled him to excel in the Millwright team. He has also provided strong leadership and support as the temporary fill-in subhead and head role.