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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Come out and watch Frank Laezza play in this year’s Battle of the Bats!
Come out and cheer for a thrilling opportunity to see UBC’s student leaders face off against members of UBC’s Executive and Board of Governors. Frank Laezza, Vice-President Finance & Operations, will be playing on Team Exec on Thursday, August 29,…
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Read UBC’s 2024 Annual Financial Statements
The Annual Financial Statements for year ended March 31, 2024, is now available on the UBC Finance website. UBC’s consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of UBC, covering the fiscal year from April 1 to March…
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Update: Public Health Officer order for COVID-19
On July 26, 2024, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an order to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinded all related Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders. Please update any UBC materials referencing the PHO and properly retain or destroy…
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Beat the heat this summer
During extreme heat, it’s important to lower your activity levels and stay in a cool area drinking fluids. If a heat warning has been issued, seek access to a cool space or go to a cooling centre. Know the signs…
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Show your connection to the VPFO with updated templates
You’ve already seen the new look at VPFO Day and on our websites. Now it’s your turn to integrated this look and feel to your own reports, presentations, and more. The new updated templates will help build consistency to communications…
People of the VPFO
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Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.
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Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…
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Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.
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Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.
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Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…