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 steam generator (HRSG) line near the Bioenergy Facility back in commission

    Last week, Energy & Water Services (EWS) steamfitters completed another repair on the District Energy System (DES) network off the Bioenergy Research Facilities (Bioenergy Facility). This repair was needed as this particular heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) line has been…

    Read more: Heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) line near the Bioenergy Facility back in commission
  • Supply chain impacted due to the state of emergency in BC

    UBC is working with key internal and external parties to ensure that critical supplies continue to be available to support the campus community. We appreciate your patience as we work through this period of disruption.

    Read more: Supply chain impacted due to the state of emergency in BC
  • Avoid slips, trips, and falls this winter with some simple tips

    Winter is almost here, and with it comes cold weather and a greater risk of slips, trips or falls. Practice safe winter walking to help you stay on your feet this winter, available on the Safety & Risk Services website.

    Read more: Avoid slips, trips, and falls this winter with some simple tips
  • Major milestone in the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility expansion project

    The Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) is burning biomass once again! The Energy & Water Services Thermal Operations Team re-lit the biomass gasification system on November 10, 2021, and the BRDF is now producing renewable thermal energy for the Academic…

    Read more: Major milestone in the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility expansion project
  • A Common Ground: Arts Student Centre Opens its Doors

    The Arts Student Centre has officially opened its doors to the UBC community. The three-storey building located on East Mall and Walter Gage Road will be a common meeting ground for Arts students to interact across disciplines, with spaces to…

    Read more: A Common Ground: Arts Student Centre Opens its Doors

People of the VPFO

  • Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services

    Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.

    Read more: Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Helen Yung

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Helen Yung, Comptroller and her leadership vision: “I lead my team to provide financial leadership through outstanding performance reporting, budget allocation and management processes, and financial disciplines to enable UBC…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Helen Yung
  • Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager

    As Senior Product Manager, Workday Student, Brian will be responsible for assembling and leading Integrated Service Centre’s new Workday Student product team. This will include supporting the functionality of Workday Student and driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that it…

    Read more: Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager