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
-
Read more: BC Emergency Alert system testing on May 6
BC Emergency Alert system testing on May 6
The provincial alert system, BC Emergency Alert will be tested on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 1:55 pm.
-
Read more: Realigning key functions and supporting priorities within VPFO
Realigning key functions and supporting priorities within VPFO
To strengthen alignment across the VPFO, HR and Communications will now report to Nicole Liddell. A new team will also be forming within Transformation & Strategy to support ongoing Finance Transformation and Budget Reimagination.
-
Read more: UBC recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses
UBC recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses
Our campus has been recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses, with features in House Beautiful and Daily Hive.
-
Read more: Facilities wins ASHRAE BC Technology Award
Facilities wins ASHRAE BC Technology Award
Facilities recently won the ASHRAE British Columbia Technology Award (2025-26) in the Educational Facilities, Existing category.
-
Read more: Moody’s affirms UBC’s Aa1 credit rating while S&P lowers its rating to A due to strong provincial credit link
Moody’s affirms UBC’s Aa1 credit rating while S&P lowers its rating to A due to strong provincial credit link
Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings released rating actions on UBC in early April 2026.
People of the VPFO
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Read more: Jocelyn Bissett joins as Administrative Assistant to the VPFO
Jocelyn Bissett joins as Administrative Assistant to the VPFO
We are thrilled to announce that Jocelyn Bissett will be joining the VPFO Admin Team starting March 2.