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

  • UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence becomes the first Passive House-certified student residence in Canada

    UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence has successfully earned its Passive House Certification, making it the first student residence in Canada and second in North America to receive this certification. 

    Read more: UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence becomes the first Passive House-certified student residence in Canada
  • Masks required in UBC public indoor spaces until June 30

    As there are now signs of further Omicron variants and increased case numbers, experts have indicated that BC is about to enter into a sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of these factors, UBC has made the decision…

    Read more: Masks required in UBC public indoor spaces until June 30
  • University Boulevard bus loop road detours

    Due to three projects under construction simultaneously—School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) Building, Gateway Health Building, and a utility steam tunnel repair, the University bus loop will be closed starting April 19 to May 1, 2022. Please plan your route accordingly.

    Read more: University Boulevard bus loop road detours
  • Watermain repair on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL)

    The University Endowment Lands will be completing an emergency repair on an incoming watermain on 16th Avenue. UBC Facilities will support this work from April 20th – 22nd, 2022 by switching over our campus water feed, once the repair commences.

    Read more: Watermain repair on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL)
  • Partial closure of Engineering Road until June 15

    Engineering Road on UBC Vancouver campus will be partially closed from April 19 to June 15 due to repairs to the bridge connecting the Macleod Building and the Brimacombe Building.

    Read more: Partial closure of Engineering Road until June 15

People of the VPFO

  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • 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