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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T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment
UBC employees participating in the formal Hybrid Work Program may be eligible to claim home office expenses on their 2024 taxes under CRA’s updated guidelines. For more information, please visit the UBC Finance Portal.
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UBC joins national CASPAR initiative for sustainable procurement
UBC is part of a new Canadian inter-university working group on sustainable procurement. The group is a collaborative forum with materials, training, and other knowledge-sharing opportunities for procurement practitioners at CAUBO member institutions.
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Scarfe Office Block is undergoing electrical renovation starting in May 2025
The electrical distribution system for the Neville Scarfe Complex is reaching the end of its lifespan and lacks the capacity to meet occupants’ future electrical needs. Construction on the Scarfe Complex Electrical Renovation is anticipated to begin in May 2025…
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What’s going on with the water? Pressure testing Jan. 27–Feb. 7
Water supply will remain available during testing, although some buildings may experience mild discolouration in their water or minor water pressure variances. The water remains safe for use and consumption.
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UBC has successfully transitioned all our bank accounts to RBC
As of January 24, 2025, UBC has successfully transitioned all our bank accounts to RBC, and all HSBC Canada accounts have been closed. The final phase (Phase 3) of the HSBC/RBC transition will focus on stabilizing and monitoring our accounts…
People of the VPFO
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Strengthening Municipal Services’ Asset and Fleet Management Services within Facilities
In order to enhance their technical expertise in civil engineering, asset stewardship and fleet management, UBC Facilities’ Municipal Services is pleased to welcome two new team members, Fiona Keating, Senior Manager, and Rishi Purohit, Fleet and Asset Manager.
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Making accountability personal
Thomas Straley — with 20 years of experience in Accounts Payable — is one of the lucky people who find their dream job early and build an endlessly rewarding career.
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Joanna Huang steps into Finance Manager role supporting the VPHR and VPFO Admin portfolios
Since stepping into the Acting role in June 2022, Joanna has played an instrumental in supporting her client areas through a busy quarter-end and the start of the FY23 budget process.
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Frank Laezza appointed Vice-President, Finance and Operations
Mr. Laezza will join us from Murdoch University, Australia, where he is Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for leading the university’s business and finance functions, as well as for the management of its financial and capital resources. Mr. Laezza will…
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Gardenia Honório transitions into new role as Business Operations Manager within Facilities’ Customer Services and Informatics
Gardenia will lead the Facilities Service Centre and Clerical teams and the Staff Records team, support training and other important Facilities initiatives including onboarding, safety training scheduling, IT device management, etc.