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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Connect with us on VPFO Day!
On Wednesday, June 19, join us for a day of connection as we continue building the VPFO team.
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Tania Shepelska joins the Integrated Service Centre as Cross Functional Product Sustainment and Support Manager
Welcome Tania Shepelska, New Cross Functional Product Sustainment and Support Manager. Tania joins the Integrated Service Centre (ISC) after her five-year experience with IRP Student where she started as Subject Matter Expert in Records & Advising and then served as…
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Ashley Andrews joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Ashley Andrews to Senior Financial Analyst, Capital Financial Reporting. Ashley brings extensive experience in Capital Reporting and Financial Analysis through the preparation of financial regulatory documents, development of complex financial models, and conducting in-depth financial…
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Ongoing Support for Calumo
Over the past few weeks, as the initial steps of developing a finance data and reporting strategy for UBC, we introduced an expanded toolset for our finance community. Thank you to those of you who have so far joined training…
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Showcasing the VPFO at CAUBO
We’re proud to recognize our VPFO speakers at the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) Annual Conference on June 3–5. The conference brings together university administrators from across Canada to learn about best practices on hot topics in higher…
People of the VPFO
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Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
Sam has been a driving force in finding opportunities to build a stronger foundation for our Campus Security teams. His extensive experience in leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security, and Risk Management roles in the public sector will make…
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Strengthening Municipal Services’ Asset and Fleet Management Services within Facilities
In order to enhance their technical expertise in civil engineering, asset stewardship and fleet management, UBC Facilities’ Municipal Services is pleased to welcome two new team members, Fiona Keating, Senior Manager, and Rishi Purohit, Fleet and Asset Manager.
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Making accountability personal
Thomas Straley — with 20 years of experience in Accounts Payable — is one of the lucky people who find their dream job early and build an endlessly rewarding career.
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Joanna Huang steps into Finance Manager role supporting the VPHR and VPFO Admin portfolios
Since stepping into the Acting role in June 2022, Joanna has played an instrumental in supporting her client areas through a busy quarter-end and the start of the FY23 budget process.
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Frank Laezza appointed Vice-President, Finance and Operations
Mr. Laezza will join us from Murdoch University, Australia, where he is Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for leading the university’s business and finance functions, as well as for the management of its financial and capital resources. Mr. Laezza will…