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

  • Attend The Centre Health Fair: Heart Health this June

    Brought to you by The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing in partnership with the UBC Pharmacists Clinic, The Centre Health Fair: Heart Health will provide you with information, awareness, self-assessment, and personalized consultation on your heart health.  

    Read more: Attend The Centre Health Fair: Heart Health this June
  • Thank you for joining the “We are the VPFO” team event

    On May 31, team members from across the VPFO gathered for an in-person event to hear from our new Vice-President Frank Laezza and to connect with each other across the portfolio’s departments, groups, and services. Click through for an event…

    Read more: Thank you for joining the “We are the VPFO” team event
  • Hello from my first 80 days

    Each month I’d like to share a message with the portfolio, and today I want to start off by saying thank you to everyone who joined us last Wednesday at our “We are the VPFO” team event on the Vancouver…

    Read more: Hello from my first 80 days
  • Getting ready for UniForum: Support resources for participants available

    UBC is getting ready to participate for the fifth time in the UniForum benchmarking program. If you’ve been contacted to act as a Primary Contact or Respondent, thank you for your support of this important initiative! If you are a…

    Read more: Getting ready for UniForum: Support resources for participants available
  • New art connects The Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory

    UBC Facilities’ Infrastructure Development recently completed the project to install the large-scale bronze artwork co-created by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) master carver Kayám̓ Richard Campbell and Haida master carver and hereditary chief James Hart, 7idansuu (Edenshaw). The new artwork now anchors Hart’s…

    Read more: New art connects The Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory

People of the VPFO

  • Denise Brown joins Infrastructure Development as Director, Capital Planning

    Denise comes to UBC with over 15 years of experience as an owner’s representative in construction capital and operations projects and a passion for creating sustainable and innovative spaces that enhance the quality of life and learning for students and…

    Read more: Denise Brown joins Infrastructure Development as Director, Capital Planning
  • Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk

    Through supporting engagement and communication activities, Wendy will enhance the team’s ability to make data readily available to staff managers.

    Read more: Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk
  • Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  

    Custodial Services’ staff celebrated Vaisakhi on Friday morning at the start of the shift in the UBC Life Building Custodial deployment office. Special thanks to Balvir Bains and Charanjit Bains for organizing this celebration!

    Read more: Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  
  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action