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: Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan joined UBC in September 2019 working as a project carpenter in Building Operations. He participated in continuing education by volunteering for the Expression of Interest Program (EOI) program back in 2020, and since then has supported the crew as…
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Read more: Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Peter Smailes, Vice-President, Finance and Operations, is leaving UBC to take up a new opportunity at Kwantlen Polytechnic University as their Vice-President, Administration.
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Read more: Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene with Occupational Health & Safety welcomes Eve Neesham-Grenon to the team as the Safety Associate focused primarily on the Biological & Radiation Safety Programs. Eve brings a fantastic mix of laboratory and hygiene experience to…
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Read more: Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within the Occupational Health & Safety, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.
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Read more: Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Leveraging her robust experience in continuous improvement and problem solving, in addition to her passion for driving efficiency and collaboration, Lubna will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.