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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Aaron Mogerman appointed Director, Infrastructure Development in UBC Okanagan
Aaron will head up the new department as the first Director for UBC Okanagan’s Infrastructure Development. He has been an important part of the Infrastructure Development team in Vancouver for a long time and will bring his solid project management…
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Hoi Ying Yu joins Building Operations as Contract Manager
Hoi will be responsible for managing Building Operations’ service contracts and oversee internal revenue generating contracts. She will be working closely with the trades, project coordinators, and managers to ensure Building Operations’ Preventative Maintenance and Service contracts continue providing value to…
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Philippa Horton Joins Financial Operations as Associate Director, Procurement Partnerships
In this new role Philippa will be responsible for overseeing the university’s team of Procurement Partners, and working with faculty and administrative units to ensure they are receiving a high level of procurement, sourcing, and payment support.
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Frank Crudo returns to Building Operations as Senior Manager, Architectural
We are excited to welcome back Frank, joining Building Operations’ Trades division and leading the architectural trades. As the Senior Manager, Frank will be responsible for the short and long-range planning of building architectural systems and the supervision of staff…
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Kishani Gibbons promoted as Director, Customer Services & Informatics with Building Operations
Effective March 5, 2020, Kishani will formally take on the Business Services team, forming the new division Customer Service & Informatics in Building Operations.