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
-
Closure of East Mall at Hospital Lane from August 24–31
East Mall between Hospital Lane and Biological Sciences Road will be closed due to District Energy System repair work from Wednesday, August 24 to Wednesday, August 31. During this time, any access for deliveries or service vehicles will be accommodated via…
-
Upcoming road closures
Wesbrook Mall upgrades is nearing completion, however, Wesbrook Mall will remain closed from Walter Gage Road to Chancellor Boulevard until September 5. Thunderbird Boulevard will be impacted for the duration of the UBC Hydrogen Hub / Transportation Test Bed project.…
-
Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver: Aug 17 & 18
A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day. Daytime high temperatures of 29 to 35 degrees Celsius inland and near 27 degrees…
-
UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan
Information on UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan 2023-24 to 2027-28 has been updated. UBC maintains a comprehensive plan for the development and renewal of institutional infrastructure to meet evolving academic needs as well as the needs of our growing campus communities.
-
Sean Zheng stepping into new role as Sub-Head in Stores, Municipal Services within UBC Facilities
Sean joined UBC in 2019 as a Project Clerk in Infrastructure Development. Since then, he has developed strong relationships and provided key technical capabilities to his team during his time as a Stores Operator, as well as completed his Lean…
People of the VPFO
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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…
-
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.