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

  • Dealing with natural disasters at UBC

    Featured in University Affairs (UA), Hailey Maxwell, Manager of Emergency Management & Continuity Planning speaks about some of the programs and activities UBC offers to help students, faculty, and staff prepare for different types of emergencies.

    Read more: Dealing with natural disasters at UBC
  • Keeping our campus warm

    It’s not easy keeping a campus as large as UBC warm throughout the cooler months. Most buildings on the UBC Vancouver campus are connected to a centralized thermal energy system managed by Energy & Water Services. Kudos to our thermal…

    Read more: Keeping our campus warm
  • Finance & HR IRP Benefits Realization Management to cease monthly reporting in April 2023

    Since 2020, Integrated Renewal Program’s Benefits Realization Management (IRP BRM) has been providing visibility into UBC’s journey towards achieving the benefits of implementing Workday HR and Finance. Now in its third year and with the current fiscal year coming to…

    Read more: Finance & HR IRP Benefits Realization Management to cease monthly reporting in April 2023
  • Welcome Frank Laezza!

    Today marks the official start of Frank Laezza’s tenure with UBC as our new Vice-President Finance & Operations. As a strong believer in connected leadership, Frank is looking forward to working with the VPFO team of 1400+ people in the…

    Read more: Welcome Frank Laezza!
  • Daylight Savings time can affect workplace health & safety

    A reminder that Daylight Savings Time is taking place this weekend on Sunday, March 12th where we “spring ahead” and advance our clocks forward by one hour. This means that we will all wake up one hour earlier than normal.…

    Read more: Daylight Savings time can affect workplace health & safety

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