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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities
Stuart will be responsible for developing and managing programs to achieve the implementation of infrastructure and services plans, reporting to Doug Doyle, Senior Manager, and work closely with the Mechanical Utilities unit.
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Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff
The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC. See the full list of VPFO team…
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New Project Coordinator and Project Supervisors begin their roles in Asset Replacement & Improvements
Asset Replacement & Improvements (ARI) is in the process of implementing a new approach to the Construction Office, which will allow for greater project delivery efficiency, and help our teams be more successful in service delivery to the community. A…
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Lance Adams joining Operational Excellence as Business Analyst, SRS
Lance previously worked as a Business Analyst at UBC as part of the EMMS/Plannon and Workday implementations. His role will be dedicated to information systems transformation, and operational excellence projects within the SRS portfolio.
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Mikhail Manaligod joins Customer Services & Informatics as Service Centre Coordinator
Mikhail joins us from Impark, with over nine years of experience, where he held a variety of roles specializing in customer service, account management, and data administration.