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 planning $315 million facility expansion of medical research and nursing schools
UBC planning $315 million facility expansion of medical research and nursing schools
The Vancouver Urbanized blog shared an overview of some key projects planned for the Point Grey campus, including new health sciences facilities located at the main gateway into the campus.
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Read more: Claiming home office expenses — updated CRA guidance
Claiming home office expenses — updated CRA guidance
Recognizing the special circumstances of the 2020 tax year, the CRA has announced two new ways employees may be able to claim home office expenses.
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Read more: John Metras, UBC’s AVP Facilities to speak at St. john’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series
John Metras, UBC’s AVP Facilities to speak at St. john’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series
On January 27, St. John’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series invites you to meet over lunch with a group of our colleagues from across the university, and share thoughts and conversations about how we might work toward the goal of…
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Read more: Steven Bao Joins UBC as Finance Director, Special Projects
Steven Bao Joins UBC as Finance Director, Special Projects
Starting January 11th Steven will be working with the Karamjeet Heer in the Comptroller’s portfolio, with a focus on financial reporting matters.
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Read more: Join virtual open house on UBCO in downtown Kelowna
Join virtual open house on UBCO in downtown Kelowna
Join us virtually on January 19 at 7 p.m. to learn more about this initiative and share your thoughts during a virtual open house. In partnership with UBC Properties Trust, UBC Okanagan is planning a new building in downtown Kelowna.…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Angela Ruggles joins as Executive Assistant to the VPFO
Angela Ruggles joins as Executive Assistant to the VPFO
Angela Ruggles will be joining the VPFO portfolio as Executive Assistant to the VP Finance & Operations on Tuesday, May 5. Angela will provide direct support to Frank Laezza, Vice-President, Finance & Operations.
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Read more: Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed steps into new roles
Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed steps into new roles
We are beyond pleased to share that Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed will be stepping into a new roles effective April 20.
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Read more: Adi Aggarwal joins as Senior Insurance Coordinator, Insurance & Loss Prevention
Adi Aggarwal joins as Senior Insurance Coordinator, Insurance & Loss Prevention
We are excited to share that Adi Aggarwal will be starting as the new Senior Insurance Coordinator in the Insurance & Loss Prevention (ILP) team on April 13.
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Read more: Nicole Liddell joins VPFO as Managing Director, Strategy, Planning & Performance
Nicole Liddell joins VPFO as Managing Director, Strategy, Planning & Performance
Nicole Liddell will be joining the VPFO as Managing Director, Strategy, Planning & Performance on April 20, 2026.
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Read more: Welcome to Edward Ganal as Team Manager, Day Shift – Custodial Services
Welcome to Edward Ganal as Team Manager, Day Shift – Custodial Services
We are excited to announce Edward Ganal is the new Team Manager, Day Shift – Custodial Services. Edward steps into this position with over 17 years of UBC Custodial Services experience.