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 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.
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Read more: BC Emergency Alert system testing on May 6
BC Emergency Alert system testing on May 6
The provincial alert system, BC Emergency Alert will be tested on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 1:55 pm.
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Read more: Realigning key functions and supporting priorities within VPFO
Realigning key functions and supporting priorities within VPFO
To strengthen alignment across the VPFO, HR and Communications will now report to Nicole Liddell. A new team will also be forming within Transformation & Strategy to support ongoing Finance Transformation and Budget Reimagination.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Darren Wong promoted to Project Manager, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Darren Wong promoted to Project Manager, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Darren Wong joined UBC in 1998 as a project designer, and has been with Project Services since 2011 as an Associate Project Manager. Over the years, Darren’s portfolio continues to grow, working on various renovations, public art, and accessibility-related projects.
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Read more: Aziz Kara joins the Comptroller team as a Portfolio Finance Director, DAE, External Relations and Governance
Aziz Kara joins the Comptroller team as a Portfolio Finance Director, DAE, External Relations and Governance
Aziz is a Certified Professional Accountant who brings 25 years of progressive experience in Healthcare.
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Read more: Sandy Liu joins the Comptoller team as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Operational Excellence
Sandy Liu joins the Comptoller team as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Operational Excellence
Sandy will be working closely with the Budgeting & Reporting team in support of continuous improvement within Financial Reporting and Financial Planning & Analysis.
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Read more: Stephen Li joins Facilites, Building Operations as Mechanical Engineer
Stephen Li joins Facilites, Building Operations as Mechanical Engineer
Stephen is a Professional Mechanical Engineer and LEED Green Associate with over ten years’ experience in Metro Vancouver’s building consulting industry.
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Read more: Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst
Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst
Raffaela will support the building and refinement of the long-term corporate financial model, along with providing analytical support for other strategic initiatives across campus.