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

  • 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…

    Read more: Heat recovery chiller and coils successfully commissioned
  • 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. 

    Read more: New Biomass Boiler going through commissioning at the BRDF 
  • Our 5th Annual Pink Shirt Day Celebration

    The VPFO Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee presents Pink Shirt Day on February 23, 2022. Join the VPFO portfolio virtually or on campus at the University Services Building (USB) atrium in celebrating our diversity as we Lift Each Other…

    Read more: Our 5th Annual Pink Shirt Day Celebration
  • 2021/2022 Year End Timelines and Procedures Call-In Session

    Join us in the call-in session on February 28 to review the fiscal year-end timelines and procedures. For those who are unable to attend, a recording of this event will be made available on the UBC Finance website.

    Read more: 2021/2022 Year End Timelines and Procedures Call-In Session
  • Potential project delays dues to staffing shortage

    Our Facilities teams, consultants, and contractors are experiencing labour shortages, and doing the best we can to maintain service and ensure all our projects and construction sites continue to be monitored. Some of our projects, however, may be impacted and face…

    Read more: Potential project delays dues to staffing shortage

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