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
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
People of the VPFO
-
Hailey Maxwell steps into new role as Manager, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning in Safety & Risk Services
In her new role as Manager of Emergency & Continuity Planning, Hailey looks forward to continuing to support the UBC community in developing personal and organizational resilience through planning, training and engagement initiatives.
-
Balancing safety and innovation
Janet Hankins leads a team of specialists in biosafety, radiation, and chemical safety and occupational hygiene responsible for the handling of hazardous substances across the university. Learn how Janet resonates with the VPFO’s strategic directions and values, and how her…
-
Bella Li joins the VPFO/VPHR Finance team within Comptroller as Financial Analyst
In her new role, Bella will be responsible for providing financial analysis to the overall VPFO/VPHR Finance team, with a primary focus on Infrastructure Development, Safety & Risk Services, and Financial Operations.
-
Maliheh Oliver, Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn, Privacy and Security Advisor join PrISM in Safety & Risk Services
Privacy & Information Security (PrISM) in Safety & Risk Services is pleased to welcome Maliheh Oliver as Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn as Privacy and Security Advisor.
-
In memory of March Cheng
It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of our dear friend and colleague March Cheng. March consistently made a positive impact on every team she was a part of. Her knowledge of payroll was second…