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

  • 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.

    Read more: Upcoming road closures on UBC Vancouver campus
  • 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.

    Read more: Continuing as one VPFO under Karamjeet Heer and John Metras’ leadership  
  • 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.

    Read more: May 26 VPFO Town Hall Presentation and Slides
  • 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.

    Read more: Preparing for transition in the VPFO
  • 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.

    Read more: tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ is now occupied

People of the VPFO

  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
  • 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…

    Read more: Aaron Mogerman appointed Director, Infrastructure Development in UBC Okanagan
  • 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…

    Read more: Hoi Ying Yu joins Building Operations as Contract Manager
  • 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.

    Read more: Philippa Horton Joins Financial Operations as Associate Director, Procurement Partnerships