Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
The nine divisions of the VPFO are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety and risk management for our university community.
We oversee a $3.98 billion budget, a $3.38 billion endowment, and all facilities on both campuses, as well as managing the university’s relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust. In all the portfolio’s responsibilities, we are committed to the values of innovation, unity and accountability.

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
-
Custodial Services leading the way
Our team has received international recognition through the nomination of the Director of Custodial Services for the ISSA Emerging Leaders Rising Stars award.
-
Join us at the Clog Monster event!
Every time you flush paper towels, the dreaded Clog Monster grows, creating an increasingly large clog down in the building’s pipe system. Join us at the Clog Monster campaign kickoff on September 17!
-
Earthquake and emergency preparedness workshops
Join a free personal emergency preparedness workshop designed specifically for the UBC campus community, hosted by Jackie Kloosterboer – Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Support Services Specialist.
-
Tips for VPFO file storage
Review the following recommendations for file storage in One Drive, Teams, and Teamshare/Network Folders to learn how to best organize your files for collaboration and efficiency within the VPFO.
-
Strengthening Transformation & Strategy to enable a more sustainable future for UBC
The Transformation & Strategy team works closely with our colleagues within the VP Finance & Operations portfolio and partners across the university.
People of the VPFO
-
Jay Hiscox appointed Director, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Jay has been part of the Infrastructure Development family since joining UBC in November 2016. He joined Project Services as Senior Project Manager, and was later promoted to Senior Manager and then Associate Director.
-
Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.
-
Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…
-
Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.
-
Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.