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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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…
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Sahar Mirkhosravi joins Treasury as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to announce that Sahar Mirkhosravi will be joining the Treasury team as Tax Analyst (Term) starting August 1, 2024, to cover for Kelly Ren’s maternity leave. Sahar has gained over 13 years of work experience at UBC…
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Staying cool at UBC
Given the high temperatures that can occur in the summer, explore these resources to help stay cool and safe. UBC has multiple cooling centres and water is available across campus.
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Do you have a buddy at work?
Tomorrow is International Day of Friendship, and in celebration, we want to highlight the importance of friendships and connections within and outside of our portfolio. Whether they are small or large, we hope you’ve had an opportunity to connect at…
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…