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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Get to know: Jeetender Amritsar, Facilities Manager with Building Operations
Jeetender leads daily operations of buildings and is the primary contact for building maintenance services (for the Teal Zone), which include cleaning, preventative maintenance, repair and minor renovations on the UBC Vancouver campus.
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Geetha Donepudi joins Building Operations as Business Analyst on the EMMS Sustainment Team
Geetha joins the EMMS Sustainment Team from UBC IT, where she worked on the Application Ecosystem Program (AEP) as a Business Analyst. The addition of Geetha joining the EMMS Sustainment Team rounds up an already strong and experienced group to…
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Winston Feliciano promoted to Sub-Head Stores Operator in Building Operations
Winston Feliciano is the successful applicant for the new Sub-Head position in Municipal Services’ Stores. Many of you will know Winston as he has worked with the Stores team for 4 years as a Stores Operator at the front counter.
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Steven Bao Joins UBC as Finance Director, Special Projects
Starting January 11th Steven will be working with the Karamjeet Heer in the Comptroller’s portfolio, with a focus on financial reporting matters.
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Stanley Lau joins UBC as Manager, Payroll Operations and Control
Starting January 11, Stanley will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the payroll and benefits team, and lead the area in providing exceptional payroll services to the campus community.