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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Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has been instrumental in supporting the department in transitioning to the new Workday and Planon enterprise systems.
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Enabling our strategic plan with a new structure for the VPFO’s administrative professionals
Effective September 24, I have promoted Sandy Zarka to Manager, VPFO Administration. Please join me in congratulating Sandy on her new role and in supporting her entire team as they prepare to support us through the changes to come.
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Join UBC’s virtual ShakeOut drill on October 15th
We’re all spending more time at home at the moment, which makes it all the more important to prepare your home for the unexpected. Join UBC’s virtual ShakeOut drill on October 15th to get ready!
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A beautiful plaque for Professor Santa J. Ono’s reappointment
In celebration of Professor Santa J. Ono’s reappointment as President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC, the Facilities team created a beautiful plaque and presented it to President Ono.
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Enrolment remains strong at UBC
Student enrolment numbers remain strong this fall at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan—a sign of the university’s stellar academic reputation. Students are keenly interested in achieving their educational ambitions at UBC, despite challenges posed by COVID-19.
People of the VPFO
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Rae Ann Aldridge
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rae Ann Aldridge, Executive Director, Safety & Risk Services and her leadership vision: “I am a highly collaborative leader who works with her teams to inspire, influence and innovate towards…
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Frank Laezza
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Frank Laezza, VP Finance & Operations and his leadership vision: “I am committed, through my mentorship, collaboration and open communication, to fostering a culture of purpose-driven leadership within the VPFO.”
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2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. Congratulations to our 2023 Staff Excellence Award recipients!
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Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist within Facilities’ Building Operations
Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist and will be joining Building Operations within Facilities starting January 29, 2024. His expertise and data-driven decision-making will enhance asset management procedures, creating efficient and sustainable spaces for research, teaching, and learning…
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Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as Procurement Programs Advisor
Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as the new Procurement Programs Advisor on November 8th. She will play a vital role in implementing UBC’s approach for Indigenous procurement, Inclusive procurement, Environmentally Sustainable procurement and other strategic procurement projects.