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
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UBC Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) wins Green Building Award
UBC Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) was awarded the Sustainable Architecture and Building (SAB) Magazine Green Building Commercial/Industrial (Small) Award. The SHED serves a hydrogen fueling spot as well as an educational hub and urban design showcase.
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Spatial empathy in action: New audio project gives voice to UBC’s custodial community
Through immersive sound storytelling, UBC Geography Associate Professor of Teaching Dr. Siobhán Wittig McPhee invites listeners to experience campus through the hidden stories of those who keep it running behind the scenes.
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Welcome to the new members of our Transformation & Strategy Team
The VPFO’s Transformation & Strategy division is growing this summer with the addition of three new team members.
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New Tool to Enhance the Efficiency of Expense Report Management in Workday
We will launch of Expense Protect, a tool to help reduce time spent on manual review of Expense Reports in Workday. Expense Protect will analyze data trends from expense reports to provide insights.
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Updates to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing
As part of recent updates within the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing, the Centre entrance doors will remain locked during work hours. VPFO staff can now enter the space by swiping their UBC staff cards.
People of the VPFO
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Two new Associate Project Managers join Infrastructure Development with Project Services
Sarah Buck joins UBC from Penfolds Roofing & Solar where she held several positions; starting out as a Project Coordinator and working her way up to a project management position. James Woo joins us from R.F. Binnie & Associates, where…
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Shannon Boychuk joins Safety & Risk Services in the position of Manager, Insurance & Loss Prevention
Shannon will be responsible for the management of the university’s comprehensive insurance portfolio and will act as the leader and key expert with respect to insurance policies
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Leigh Clark successfully keeping used furniture out of landfill
Since Leigh joined UBC Vancouver as a Facilities Planner with Infrastructure Development just two years ago, she has successfully identified and implemented a solution for keeping redundant furniture out of landfill and putting it to use elsewhere at the university.
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Siu Tse joins Energy & Water Services as Director of Engineering & Utilities
Siu joins us from the City of Port Coquitlam as their Deputy Director of Engineering & Operation and previously worked in City of Richmond, and Metro Vancouver.
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François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…