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 receives the NAFA Clean Air Awards
Facilities received eight NAFA Clean Air Awards for UBC buildings this year — AMS Student Nest, UBC Aquatic Centre, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), Forest Sciences Centre, Henry Angus Building, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and Wayne &…
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Migrating to TouchNet, the new digital payment solution at UBC
With the transition to Workday, the university has identified TouchNet as the new solution that will facilitate all digital payment transactions across all UBC campuses. To help our community stay informed and updated, the DPP launched a website, where you…
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Helen Shen 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, Helen will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.
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Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective Oct 1, 2022
The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 3% as of Oct 1, 2022. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will have an effect on future loans made…
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.