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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New UBC Vancouver student residences opens with gifted names from Musqueam
Five new UBC Vancouver student residence buildings, initially called UBC Pacific Residence, were formally opened at a special naming ceremony hosted by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band).
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Donna Caedo joins Customer Services & Informatics as EMMS Sustainment Business Analyst
As a Business Analyst, Donna will be working closely with the Facilities team on all items related to Planon, which includes responding to ServiceNow tickets, reviewing/addressing backlog items, ensuring various business activities are successfully completed in Planon, and much more.
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Updated Credit Card Request Forms in Workday
Financial Operations and the ISC have recently updated two Credit Card request forms in Workday: Credit Card Request | Limit Change and Credit Card Request | Application, to improve clarity and guidance as well as help reduce the number of…
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Upcoming road closures on UBC Vancouver campus
There is a number of road closures on the UBC Vancouver campus due to construction and events in the coming weeks. Please review the details and plan your routes accordingly.
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Welcome to the new members of our Transformation & Strategy Team
The VPFO’s Transformation & Strategy division is growing this summer with the addition of three new team members.
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Cathy Myles steps into role as Director, Insurance and Loss Prevention in Safety & Risk Services
We are thrilled to announce that Cathy Myles has accepted the position of Director, Insurance and Loss Prevention (I&LP) within the Safety & Risk Services team and will be starting position on August 11.
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Jay Rojas joins as new Manager, Community Support in Safety & Risk Services
Join us in welcoming Jay Rojas as new Manager, Community Support, in Safety & Risk Services, effective July 16.
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Entela Ifti promoted to new role as Associate Director, Finance Strategy & Decision Support
We are pleased to share that Entela Ifti will be transitioning to a new role as Associate Director, Finance Strategy & Decision Support within VPFO Transformation & Strategy, effective August 5.
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Maddy Speck joins as Safety Associate in Safety & Risk Services
Welcome Maddy Speck as our new Safety Associate, Faculty of Medicine, starting July 14!