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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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’…
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Thank you for your warm welcome from our new VP, Frank Laezza
Time is flying, it’s hard to believe a month has passed already since I joined the portfolio. I’m so impressed with the work I’m seeing across the team — most recently with our finance folks in finalizing UBC’s 2023/24 budget. My thanks to everyone…
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Update on UBC’s budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year
UBC’s Board of Governors has approved the 2023/2024 budget, setting out the university’s spending priorities for the year ahead. Thank you to all those who helped create this report. Read UBC’s 2023/24 Budget Report on the UBC Finance website.
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UBC launches Agency Fund Guidelines (FD950)
The Agency Fund Guidelines have been developed to provide the UBC finance community clarity on the requirements for the appropriate usage of the Agency Fund (FD950).
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UBC launches fifth year of the UniForum program
This year we are launching year 5 of the program, and from May 29 to June 30 we will be collecting data relating to all professional staff at UBC, to better understand the types of activities they perform on a…
People of the VPFO
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Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…
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Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…
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Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…