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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Continuing as one VPFO under Karamjeet Heer and John Metras’ leadership
Starting June 1, Karamjeet Heer will begin serving as the Interim Vice-President, Finance, and John Metras will become the Interim Vice-President, Operations following the departure of Peter Smailes, former Vice-President, Finance and Operations.
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May 26 VPFO Town Hall Presentation and Slides
In this VPFO town hall, we reviewed the leadership transition plan, looked back on our accomplishments, and learned about our strategic plan together as one portfolio. The town hall recording and presentation slides are now available.
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Preparing for transition in the VPFO
The hand off starts now. Starting on June 1, Karamjeet Heer will be serving as the Interim Vice-President, Finance, and John Metras will be the Interim Vice-President, Operations.
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tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ is now occupied
Located adjacent to and infilling around the Walter Gage Residence, the student residence project tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ will provide a total of 940 housing beds for upper-year students.
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The C.D. Howe Institute ranks UBC first in both climate change & endowment activities and their governance
Independent non-profit research institute The C.D. Howe Institute ranked UBC first in Climate Change and Endowment Activities with an overall score of 4.2. UBC also placed first in Climate-change Governance practices, scoring 4.9 out of 5.0.
People of the VPFO
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Pierre-Olivier Whittom joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Senior Financial Analyst
Join us in welcoming Pierre-Olivier Whittom, who will be joining the Financial Planning & Analysis team within Comptroller as a Senior Financial Analyst starting May 20.
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Pam Corrigal joins as Manager, Long-term Financial Modelling & Planning
Starting May 5, Pam Corrigal will be returning to UBC to assume the role of Manager, Long-term Financial Modelling & Planning in Treasury for an 18-month term.
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Girish Ananthanarayana joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Application Platform Support Senior Manager
As the Senior Manager in Application Platform Support, Girish directs teams focused on reporting, security, and quality assurance.
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Helga Pereira joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Desk Manager
Helga joins the Integrated Service Centre (ISC) Service Desk team and will work alongside co-managers, Divya Shetty and Jimmy Gau, as well as Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi.
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Morteza Asadi appointed as Custodial Manager – Evenings
Custodial Services is excited to welcome Morteza Asadi as Custodial Manager – Evenings to complete the leadership structure on this rotation, effective April 14.