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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Frontline heroes driving our campus forward
When you talk to Jeff or Amber, one of the first things you will notice is their genuine care for our beautiful campus and diverse community. Both professionals in their fields, Jeff and Amber work hard to ensure a safe,…
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UBC Investment Management has released its second annual Responsible Investing Report
The Report summarizes the firm’s responsible investing activities during 2022 in support of the ESG-related goals and objectives of the UBC Endowment Fund and the UBC Staff Pension Plan.
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German president’s visit to UBC highlights clean energy and climate change solutions
UBC welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday, April 25. During his visit, President Steinmeier toured UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) – a soon-to-open hydrogen fuelling station that showcases integrated energy generation for smart cities. Located next to a…
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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…
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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…
People of the VPFO
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Adam Rosenthal promoted as the Head in Stores with Building Operations
Adam has been an acting Head on many occasions in Stores, and has demonstrated he has the qualities required to be successful in this new role. As a Sub-head, Adam has developed strong relationships, and provided leadership and technical oversight…
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Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has been instrumental in supporting the department in transitioning to the new Workday and Planon enterprise systems.
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Jay Hiscox appointed Director, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Jay has been part of the Infrastructure Development family since joining UBC in November 2016. He joined Project Services as Senior Project Manager, and was later promoted to Senior Manager and then Associate Director.
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Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.
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Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…