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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Changes to UBC Service Levy
The UBC services levy is used to run the community centres, athletic and cultural facilities, and to maintain public spaces and infrastructure within UBC neighbourhoods. The Services Levy Notices issued in 2022 will be due on August 8, 2022. Read…
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Vancouver will continue to see warmer than average temperatures
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver for the rest of today June 27, 2022 with inland temperatures reaching 34 degrees. Given the current high temperatures, we wanted to provide some resources and information to help you…
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Driving safely on campus
Driving safely on and around UBC campuses is essential. To help, we have put together some basic safety guidelines to ensure a safe campus, and remember, the pedestrian always has the right of way.
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Pedestrian safety on campus
Safety practices for walking are just as important as those for riding on a bus or in a car. Click through for some simple road safety guidelines to prevent pedestrian injuries.
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Equity & Inclusion Office working to make washrooms on campus more inclusive, accessible
The project started in 2019 when the Provost’s office asked representatives from UBC Infrastructure Development and the EIO to meet with external consultants to conduct a campus-wide consultation on making washrooms safe and comfortable for everyone on campus.
People of the VPFO
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Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Peter Smailes, Vice-President, Finance and Operations, is leaving UBC to take up a new opportunity at Kwantlen Polytechnic University as their Vice-President, Administration.
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Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene with Occupational Health & Safety welcomes Eve Neesham-Grenon to the team as the Safety Associate focused primarily on the Biological & Radiation Safety Programs. Eve brings a fantastic mix of laboratory and hygiene experience to…
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Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within the Occupational Health & Safety, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.
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Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Leveraging her robust experience in continuous improvement and problem solving, in addition to her passion for driving efficiency and collaboration, Lubna will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.
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Cristine Estrada joins UBC’s Financial Operations as Procurement Sourcing Manager
As Procurement Sourcing Manager, Cristine will play a vital role in leading the Procurement Sourcing team to support our community in meeting their needs through the competitive bidding process, leveraging Bonfire and Workday processes.