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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Get ready to ShakeOut
This October, practice the Great BC Shakeout, an annual province-wide earthquake drill for everyone to practice how to protect themselves and to be better prepared in the event of an earthquake.
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Join UBC in the 2019 United Way Campaign
Every year, almost 800 of UBC staff and faculty donate to the UBC United Way campaign. Starting on Monday, Oct. 7, you can support the university’s only board-approved charity by becoming a UBC United Way donor.
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Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO
VPFO strategic plan asks us to inspire great people. There’s nothing more inspiring than our Presidential Award-winning co-workers and how their dedication and service makes a daily difference at UBC.
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Safety Practices and Awareness
This week’s incident at the West Parkade has left some of us reflecting on our safety practices and awareness. I would like to remind our VPFO community about some resources on campus to help you refresh your sense of safety.
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Dawn Jia Announced as President and CEO of UBC IMANT
In her role, Dawn will be responsible for the overall investment management of UBC IMANT’s portfolios, including the selection and oversight of institutional investment fund managers, and ensuring that UBC IMANT’s strategic and operating objectives are achieved.
People of the VPFO
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Tracy Pham joins VPFO Communications & Engagement as Manager, Digital & Creative
In her new role, Tracy aims to transform the digital channels of the VPFO and bring forth new enhancements to optimize the user experience. As a multi-skilled marketer, she brings effective technical and communication skills that can help bridge the…
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Growing our capabilities and strengthening the Treasury team
With the transition of Holly’s maternity leave, Treasury has taken this as an opportunity to grow the capabilities and knowledge of the Treasury team, and strengthen the team’s ability to provide value-added service and advice across UBC. Please join us…
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Pera Hardy joins the Facilities Planning team in Infrastructure Development as Senior Facilities Planner
Pera is a registered architect (AIBC) and LEED Green Associate, Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Her programming, planning, design and construction experience in K-12 schools and post-secondary projects will be very beneficial to facilities planning work on campus.
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Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
It would be difficult for anyone to argue that Frank Laezza isn’t willing to go the distance for UBC. Fresh off a flight from Perth, Australia, he quite literally came from the opposite side of the planet to take up…
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Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
In his new role, Oliver will be responsible for providing strategic financial leadership within the 16 units of the VPRI portfolio. In addition to managing the portfolio budget of $58M, Oliver will support key initiatives that have significant impact on…