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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Access card only for 5th floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3)
Effective May 1, the fifth floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3) will be restricted to card access only. Elevators to the fifth floor will be locked and restricted from public access. Learn more.
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Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4–10, 2025
Join us during Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) to increase our community’s resilience by learning about emergency preparedness. Start by getting informed on the risks in your community, make a plan, and then build a kit.
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Staples orders placed through Workday and Eway.ca
Staples Professional Inc. and Staples Canada ULC recently completed a legal amalgamation on March 9, 2025. UBC will be moving to a new supplier configuration on Workday under the name Staples Canada ULC from April 30 at 4:01 pm to…
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Ant season is here: Help keep pests away
Ants are one of the most common structural pests, capable of quickly turning from a minor nuisance into a persistent problem. If you notice any ants at your work space or building, submit a pest control service request in Planon!
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Energizing the future: SHED project wins 2025 SAB Award
The Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) – Hydrogen Generation and Fueling Station won a prestigious 2025 SAB Green Building Award for its excellence in energy innovation and environmental impact. This project is a unique partnership between industry and government to…
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.