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: UBC’s Furniture Reuse Program wins Sustainability Award
UBC’s Furniture Reuse Program wins Sustainability Award
UBC’s Furniture Reuse Program received the 2026 Recycling Council of BC’s Circular Economy Award in Upstream Innovation for its outstanding accomplishments in waste reduction.
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Read more: Helpful AI resources for the UBC community
Helpful AI resources for the UBC community
Discover AI tools, training opportunities, privacy guidance, and support resources available to the UBC community.
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Read more: Metro Vancouver returns to Stage 2 water restrictions on July 16
Metro Vancouver returns to Stage 2 water restrictions on July 16
Stage 2 of Metro Vancouver’s Watering Regulations returns on July 16, 2026. Under these restrictions, some operational impacts will be noticed across the campus.
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Read more: UBC Five-Year Capital Plan approved by Board of Governors
UBC Five-Year Capital Plan approved by Board of Governors
The UBC capital priorities page has been updated to reflect UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan 2027–2028 to 2031–2032, approved by the Board of Governors in June 2026. The page highlights UBC’s capital priorities and planned investments that support academic excellence, student…
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Read more: Metro Vancouver water remains safe to drink as flow direction resets early July
Metro Vancouver water remains safe to drink as flow direction resets early July
As part of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel Project, adjustments are being made to the water flow and some residents in Vancouver (including UBC) may notice cloudiness or slight discolouration in their water for a few days in early…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Read more: Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…
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Read more: Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
In her new role, Susan will continue to oversee the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) process, including major projects such as the Integrated Security Program Student (IRPS) as well as the portfolio of operational PIAs and advisory services.
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Read more: Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
In his new role, Norman will help lead continuity planning for the Vancouver Point Grey campus. Working with academic units, he will assist in the roll-out of our Continuity Planning Framework and the creation of Continuity Plans for faculties using a…
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Read more: Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Christine Lin as Tax Analyst, reporting to Holly Shepherd, Tax Manager effective May 16, 2022. Christine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in corporate and indirect tax within the oil and gas…