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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Read more: VPFO Pink Shirt Day 2022
VPFO Pink Shirt Day 2022
On Feb 23rd 2022, Peter Smailes addressed the VPFO as part of our annual Pink Shirt Day event. Click though for a transcript of his speech to the team.
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Read more: Inside the new UBC Arts Student Centre
Inside the new UBC Arts Student Centre
In November 2021, UBC Arts Student Centre officially opened its doors. The three-storey, cylindrical building located on East Mall and Walter Gage Road will be a common meeting ground for Arts students to interact across disciplines, with spaces to relax…
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Read more: T4/T4A Tax Slips and T2200s Forms Will Soon Be Available for Faculty and Staff
T4/T4A Tax Slips and T2200s Forms Will Soon Be Available for Faculty and Staff
T4/T4A tax slips and T2200S forms will be made available for faculty and staff through the Workday system next week. In the meantime, UBC Finance has created some resources to answer any questions the community may have about their tax…
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Read more: Heat recovery chiller and coils successfully commissioned
Heat recovery chiller and coils successfully commissioned
The new heat recovery chiller in Chemistry D Block would be capable of providing its forecasted 5000GJ in annual thermal energy savings, saving the university almost $50,000 per year. Chemistry E Block is on track for their predicted energy savings…
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Read more: New Biomass Boiler going through commissioning at the BRDF
New Biomass Boiler going through commissioning at the BRDF
The new UBC biomass boiler is going through its commissioning tests at the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF). As the new boiler’s combustion is fine-tuned, you may notice some grey smoke, accompanied by a campfire scent, from the BRDF on occasion.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan joined UBC in September 2019 working as a project carpenter in Building Operations. He participated in continuing education by volunteering for the Expression of Interest Program (EOI) program back in 2020, and since then has supported the crew as…
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Read more: Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
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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Read more: Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
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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Read more: Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
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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Read more: Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
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.