Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
We are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety, risk management, and assurance across our university community.
The Vice-President Finance & Operations (VPFO) portfolio provides strategic stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, and leads safety, risk management, and assurance across the university. Guided by the values of innovation, unity, and accountability in the VPFO Strategic Plan and in alignment with the UBC Strategic Plan, the portfolio oversees a budget of over $4 billion, and all facilities across UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The portfolio also manages key relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust and is responsible for strategic development and management of UBC’s real estate assets to support the long-term benefit of the university community.

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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Read more: Metro Vancouver’s Stage 2 watering restrictions effective May 1

Metro Vancouver’s Stage 2 watering restrictions effective May 1
Stage 2 of Metro Vancouver’s Watering Regulations comes into effect on May 1, 2026. Under these restrictions, some operational impacts will be noticed across the region.
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Read more: BC Emergency Alert system testing on May 6

BC Emergency Alert system testing on May 6
The provincial alert system, BC Emergency Alert will be tested on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 1:55 pm.
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Read more: Realigning key functions and supporting priorities within VPFO

Realigning key functions and supporting priorities within VPFO
To strengthen alignment across the VPFO, HR and Communications will now report to Nicole Liddell. A new team will also be forming within Transformation & Strategy to support ongoing Finance Transformation and Budget Reimagination.
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Read more: UBC recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses

UBC recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses
Our campus has been recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses, with features in House Beautiful and Daily Hive.
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Read more: Facilities wins ASHRAE BC Technology Award

Facilities wins ASHRAE BC Technology Award
Facilities recently won the ASHRAE British Columbia Technology Award (2025-26) in the Educational Facilities, Existing category.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Alison Birdsall promoted to Director, Enterprise Risk Management
Alison Birdsall promoted to Director, Enterprise Risk Management
Effective February 16, 2026, Alison Birdsall has stepped into the role of Director, Enterprise Risk Management in Enterprise Risk & Assurance.
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Read more: Samuel Boadi joins as Custodial Team Manager – Weekend Evenings
Samuel Boadi joins as Custodial Team Manager – Weekend Evenings
We are excited to welcome Samuel Boadi as our new Custodial Team Manager – Weekend Evenings.
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Read more: Welcome Ramin Sabouhi to the Capital Financial Reporting Team
Welcome Ramin Sabouhi to the Capital Financial Reporting Team
We are pleased to officially welcome Ramin Sabouhi to the Capital Financial Reporting team as a Senior Financial Analyst.
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Read more: Kate Gao joins UBC as Manager, Finance Transformation in Transformation & Strategy
Kate Gao joins UBC as Manager, Finance Transformation in Transformation & Strategy
We are pleased to welcome to Kate Gao as Manager, Finance Transformation in Transformation & Strategy division, starting January 5, 2026. Read more in the Finance Portal [CWL required].
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Read more: Welcome Emily Chow to the Financial Reporting team as a Senior Financial Analyst
Welcome Emily Chow to the Financial Reporting team as a Senior Financial Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Emily Chow to the Financial Reporting team as a Senior Financial Analyst. Read more in the Finance Portal [CWL required].