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: Planning ahead for a smooth research equipment installation

Planning ahead for a smooth research equipment installation
Acquiring new research equipment is an exciting milestone, whether you’re expanding lab capabilities or launching a new project. Before purchasing, relocating, or accepting new equipment, we encourage you to connect early with your UBC Facilities Manager.
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Read more: New report available: Fighting against forced labour and child labour in supply chains

New report available: Fighting against forced labour and child labour in supply chains
UBC’s report under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act for 2025/2026 is now available.
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Read more: UBC recognized at the Canadian Society for Landscape Architects 2026 Awards of Excellence

UBC recognized at the Canadian Society for Landscape Architects 2026 Awards of Excellence
UBC was recently recognized in the Canadian Society for Landscape Architects’ 2026 Awards of Excellence for two landscape projects: Wheaton Walk Through Time and Museum of Anthropology
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Read more: Online Safety Training is unavailable due to Canvas outage

Online Safety Training is unavailable due to Canvas outage
Online Safety Training is currently unavailable as it is hosted on Canvas, which is offline worldwide. Safety & Risk Services is looking into alternative delivery methods to deploy if the outage continues past next week.
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Larisa Rohana joins EMMS Sustainment team in Facilities’ Customer Services & Informatics as a System Analyst II
Larisa Rohana joins EMMS Sustainment team in Facilities’ Customer Services & Informatics as a System Analyst II
As a System Analyst, Larisa will be working closely with the Facilities team on all items related to Planon, which includes responding to ServiceNow tickets, reviewing/addressing backlog items, and ensuring various technical activities are successfully completed in Planon.
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Read more: Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.
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Read more: Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team.
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Read more: Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.
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Read more: Forecasting for a solid future
Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…