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: Continuing as one VPFO under Karamjeet Heer and John Metras’ leadership
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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Read more: May 26 VPFO Town Hall Presentation and Slides
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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Read more: Preparing for transition in the VPFO
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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Read more: tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ is now occupied
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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Read more: The C.D. Howe Institute ranks UBC first in both climate change & endowment activities and their governance
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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Read more: Nikki Reiter and Betty Han join the VPFO Project Management Office as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Nikki Reiter and Betty Han join the VPFO Project Management Office as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Nikki joins the VPFO Project Management Office from the Integrated Renewal Program (IRP) – Student, where she served as Acting Associate Director, Transformation & Change Management leading a team of change management specialists to support UBC’s transition to Workday Student.…
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Read more: Alan Ehrenholz joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Municipal Engineer
Alan Ehrenholz joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Municipal Engineer
Alan will help enhance our technical expertise in civil engineering and asset stewardship. Alan’s passion and contribution towards community-oriented initiatives will help strengthen our equity, diversity and inclusion work while balancing the operational and maintenance needs for a resilient campus…
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Read more: Steven Lee is promoted to Learning Spaces team’s Senior Learning Space Planner within Facilities’ Infrastructure Development
Steven Lee is promoted to Learning Spaces team’s Senior Learning Space Planner within Facilities’ Infrastructure Development
Steven will be leading the Learning Spaces team within Facilities Planning and working closely with partners in AV IT and Scheduling Services to ensure the smooth operation and future planning for UBC General Teaching Space (GTS). Steven will be transitioning…
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Read more: Alicia Chan joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst in UBC Comptroller
Alicia Chan joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst in UBC Comptroller
Alicia brings diverse experience in financial reporting, long term capital planning and forecasting, interpreting complex financial data and effectively communicating to stakeholders. In her new role, Alicia will focus on the accurate reporting of our capital project funding and Deferred…
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Read more: Cathy Myles joins Safety & Risk Services’ Insurance & Loss Prevention team
Cathy Myles joins Safety & Risk Services’ Insurance & Loss Prevention team
Cathy is joining Safety & Risk Services on a full-time, contract basis to help lead the team through a current & future state analysis and transfer of risk including insurance risk management operations and programs.