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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New water meter installation on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL)
The University Endowment Lands will be installing a new water meter on 16th Avenue as part of regular maintenance and upgrades. UBC Facilities will support this work from December 14-17, 2021 by switching over our campus water feed, once the…
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Supporting UBC Faculty of Dentistry’s simulation and digital dentistry laboratory project
Last year, UBC Dentistry announced plans for a new simulation and digital dentistry laboratory that will allow DMD and DHDP students to learn advancing dental clinical procedures. This June, UBC Supply Management & Infrastructure Development awarded the equipment contract for…
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Grab a sweater and prepare for a cooler campus
With the cooler weather outside, UBC’s heating energy will go up to compensate. During COVID-19, the Facilities team has taken measures to increase and/or enhance building ventilation in UBC buildings to ensure a high standard of safety for students, faculty…
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UBC’s Digital Payment Program to replace ePayment
UBC’s ePayment system, which allows participating UBC departments/merchants to process financial transactions online, is due to be retired alongside the Student Information System (SIS). This transition will impact a broad base of campus merchants who currently use ePayment to collect…
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Thunderbird Boulevard multi-phase road closures: November 29, 2021 to August 2022
As part of the UBC Renewable Energy Hub project, the Hydrogen Refueling Station will begin construction on Thunderbird Boulevard this week. During this project, there will be multi-phase road closures along Thunderbird Boulevard in effect between November 20, 2021 to…
People of the VPFO
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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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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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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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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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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.