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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New Asbestos Awareness course available for UBC community
Developed by Safety & Risk Services, the newly launched Asbestos Awareness course is designed to enhance faculty, staff and student workers’ knowledge about asbestos as facilities on the Point Grey Campus built before 1990 may contain asbestos.
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Enhancing operations and safety: BRDF control room & office renovation
As part of an effort to enhance operations and safety, the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) control room and office have recently been renovated. The purpose of this renovation was to modernize the BRDF control room and personnel quarters.
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Keep track with VPFO Project Management Office’s projects through the Project Portfolio Management Dashboard
The VPFO Project Management team uses a project portfolio management (PPM) tool to help with the intake, prioritization, selection and management of continuous improvement projects at UBC. Click through to see the dashboard.
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Digital Payments Program: Information security training for new merchants
All merchants, including UBC merchants, who process credit card payments are required to be compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS). The DPP PCI-DSS Training course is required as part of DPP’s new merchant onboarding process.
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Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…
People of the VPFO
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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…
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Gardenia Honório transitions into new role as Business Operations Manager within Facilities’ Customer Services and Informatics
Gardenia will lead the Facilities Service Centre and Clerical teams and the Staff Records team, support training and other important Facilities initiatives including onboarding, safety training scheduling, IT device management, etc.