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

  • VPFO Update – May 20

    The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on May 20, 2025.

    Read more: VPFO Update – May 20
  • Buchanan Block C Elevator Modernization begins June 23

    The project is estimated to be complete by the end of August 2025. There will be no access to this elevator for the duration of construction. Please use the stairs on the north or south end of Buchanan Block C…

    Read more: Buchanan Block C Elevator Modernization begins June 23
  • The HSBC to RBC transition project has now officially concluded

    Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important transition — especially our partners and business users — for your collaboration, patience, and adaptability throughout the process. With these changes now in place, all UBC HSBC Canada bank accounts have…

    Read more: The HSBC to RBC transition project has now officially concluded
  • Manage risk and overcome challenges with support from Enterprise Risk & Assurance

    May is International Internal Audit Awareness Month! At UBC, the ERA team provides independent, risk-based and objective audit and advisory services. Whether you’re launching a new project, looking to improve a critical process, or implementing a change, ERA can help…

    Read more: Manage risk and overcome challenges with support from Enterprise Risk & Assurance
  • Moody’s affirms UBC’s Aa1 rating and S&P lowers its rating to A+ due to provincial credit link

    UBC maintains credit ratings with two different rating agencies, Moody’s Investors Service (commonly referred to as “Moody’s”) and S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”). Each year Moody’s and S&P meet separately with UBC to assess the factors influencing the university’s credit rating.

    Read more: Moody’s affirms UBC’s Aa1 rating and S&P lowers its rating to A+ due to provincial credit link

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