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

  • Construction begins for UBC Sauder Expansion

    This month, the UBC Sauder Power House Expansion Project will begin construction for a new 11-storey building that will sit on the former Power House site and next to the current Sauder School of Business facility. The demolition of the Power…

    Read more: Construction begins for UBC Sauder Expansion
  • Strengthening project and data management across the VPFO and UBC

    We are pleased to introduce the new position of Executive Director, Transformation & Strategy, which will drive UBC’s finance transformation by developing a strategic financial planning and analysis framework aimed at enhancing financial efficiency and modernizing our approach.

    Read more: Strengthening project and data management across the VPFO and UBC
  • Celebrate Circular Economy Month

    Join the Furniture Reuse Program team at the Zero Waste Market this October and November for reduced prices to celebrate Circular Economy Month! The Zero Waste Market sells gently used furniture best suited for home use and small budgets, as…

    Read more: Celebrate Circular Economy Month
  • Preparing for FY25 Q2 Forecast: What you need to know

    In preparation for the FY25 Q2 forecast in Adaptive Planning, please review the following Q2 2025 Guidelines and References. A Zoom forecast update session will also be available for the Finance community. More information is available on the Finance website.

    Read more: Preparing for FY25 Q2 Forecast: What you need to know
  • Air Canada labour negotiations and your travel

    Air Canada is in negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). If you need to change your Air Canada reservation and have booked through Concur or a Direct Travel agent, please reach out to Direct Travel. Learn more about…

    Read more: Air Canada labour negotiations and your travel

People of the VPFO

  • 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…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rae Ann Aldridge
  • 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.”

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Frank Laezza
  • 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!

    Read more: 2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
  • 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…

    Read more: Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist within Facilities’ Building Operations
  • 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.

    Read more: Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as Procurement Programs Advisor