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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Increase in mileage rate as of March 31, 2023
UBC will be updating its mileage rate in alignment with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) prescribed rate: 68¢/km for the first 5,000 km driven and 62¢/km driven after that. The new rates will be available in Workday as of March…
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Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective April 1, 2023
The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 5% as of April 1, 2023. This rate will be in effect from April 1–June 30, 2023. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will…
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Educating young children on solid waste collection on campus
The Waste Management team in Municipal Services within UBC Facilities recently paid a visit to the Berwick Child Development Centre to educate young children about the vehicles and equipment used for solid waste collection on the UBC Vancouver campus.
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Be a voice for campus safety!
UBC Vancouver Campus Security is taking a look at its services and organizational model to better understand how it can best meet the needs of a rapidly changing community. One important part of this review will be a community engagement…
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Upcoming road closures on UBC Vancouver campus as of March 17, 2023
The following road closures are expected around the UBC Vancouver campus as of March 17, 2023. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
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.