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

  • Upgrades & renovations in Orchard Commons Room 1001

    Orchard Commons Room 1001 is currently undergoing renovation work to create an active learning classroom. The new layout will be a high tech ‘learn lab’, featuring group tables with technology that allows both instructors and students to share their work…

    Read more: Upgrades & renovations in Orchard Commons Room 1001
  • We are the VPFO: Join us on May 31

    The VPFO is a team, our work is connected, and we achieve great things for UBC by working together. On May 31 we have an opportunity to gather and hear from our new Vice-President Frank Laezza, as well as to connect with…

    Read more: We are the VPFO: Join us on May 31
  • Maintaining an ideal exam experience at UBC

    Setting up an exam space is not an easy task — it requires hours of hard work and strict compliance with UBC’s exam requirements, especially with the setup of tables and chairs and delivery of exam booklets, to ensure a…

    Read more: Maintaining an ideal exam experience at UBC
  • Meet UBC’s new cogeneration engine

    UBC’s replacement cogeneration engine, the Jenbacher J-612 arrived in its new home inside the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) engine room on April 6, 2023, and is being commissioned for operation in May 2023.

    Read more: Meet UBC’s new cogeneration engine
  • UBC Facilities supports student team in the construction of a unique building

    Last week, UBC started to unveil a vibrant new teaching and learning space that is one of Canada’s first institutional spaces designed to be near-zero embodied carbon. The project and student team were well supported by contributions from UBC Facilities’…

    Read more: UBC Facilities supports student team in the construction of a unique building

People of the VPFO

  • 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
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC
  • Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development

    In his new role, Noel will be leading one of the teams of project managers in Project Services, and continue his present scope of work of directly managing complex projects such as Jack Bell Building Renewal and Faculty of Applied…

    Read more: Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development
  • Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer

    She joins us from BCIT as the Energy Manager, where she managed a team of engineers and BMS technicians to implement robust process improvements to increase energy efficiency across the Institute. The projects and process improvements she has implemented during…

    Read more: Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer