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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Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.
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Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…
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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.
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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.
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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,…