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: 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.
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Read more: Cristine Estrada joins UBC’s Financial Operations as Procurement Sourcing Manager
Cristine Estrada joins UBC’s Financial Operations as Procurement Sourcing Manager
As Procurement Sourcing Manager, Cristine will play a vital role in leading the Procurement Sourcing team to support our community in meeting their needs through the competitive bidding process, leveraging Bonfire and Workday processes.
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Read more: James Woo promoted to Project Manager in Facilities’ Infrastructure Development
James Woo promoted to Project Manager in Facilities’ Infrastructure Development
Since joining Project Services in March 2020, James has continually built his expertise on UBC’s high standards and technical guidelines while building trusting relationships with UBC clients and stakeholders.
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Read more: Polina Sefin joins as Service Centre Coordinator within Customer Services & Informatics, Facilities
Polina Sefin joins as Service Centre Coordinator within Customer Services & Informatics, Facilities
When dealing with inquiries and supply chain-related issues, Polina’s approach is to always work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and aim for the best outcome of each request received. Her robust customer service skills and experience working in complex organizations in…
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Read more: Conor Hourigan promoted to Subhead Millwright in Building Operations
Conor Hourigan promoted to Subhead Millwright in Building Operations
Conor’s expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining various mechanical equipment throughout campus has enabled him to excel in the Millwright team. He has also provided strong leadership and support as the temporary fill-in subhead and head role.