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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Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver
A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day. Cooling centres and temporary water features are open on the UBC Vancouver campus.
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Third Space—Solar Decathlon project
UBC Facilities is working together with UBC’s award-winning Third Quadrant Design—a team of more than 60 students in engineering, architecture, business, and arts to help plan and manage a new student space on campus that redefines sustainable design. Learn more…
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Our New Treasury Offices: Piloting Design and Technology to Support Hybrid Work across the VPFO
After years of hard work and planning by the Treasury team and UBC Facilities’ Infrastructure Development team, Treasury’s existing office space in the Old Administration Building has been renovated to become the home base for the entire Treasury team.
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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.
People of the VPFO
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François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
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Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
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Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.
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Get to know: Ryan Huffman, Senior Project Manager with Project Services, Infrastructure Development
Ryan came to UBC because he used to get bored easily. Almost 7 years later, he’s discovered a job that brings him constant innovation, excitement, and the opportunity to bring his unique brand of positivity to his many UBC friends…
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Doug Cheung joins Treasury team in the position of Director, Treasury
Doug will be overseeing cash management together with the strategic long-term modelling and will also be involved in strategic initiatives such as the GBE (Government Business Entity) project with Student Housing and Hospitality Services.