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 launches new programs to help tackle cybersecurity risk
UBC launches the Compliance Support Program and the Privacy Matters Champions Program to help mitigate information security risk. A major cybersecurity breach has the potential to seriously hamper UBC’s operations, reputation and position as a world-class institution, as well as…
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Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
It would be difficult for anyone to argue that Frank Laezza isn’t willing to go the distance for UBC. Fresh off a flight from Perth, Australia, he quite literally came from the opposite side of the planet to take up…
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UBC will be included in Homelessness Services Association of BC’s Point-in-Time Homeless Count
UBC Campus Security and UBC Sprouts — a 100% volunteer and student-run organization at UBC, along with volunteers from across the university will be taking part in the Homelessness Services Association of BC’s Point-in-Time Homeless Count to collect details about…
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Demolition of UBC Power House this summer
This Summer, the UBC Power House will undergo demolition to prepare for the development of the new UBC Sauder School of Business expansion. The stunning 11-storey building will be constructed next to the current Sauder School of Business in the…
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Have you completed all UBC Required Training?
On March 6, staff and student-staff who are not up to date on their UBC Required Training will receive a Workday notification as a reminder to complete the training(s). Please keep an eye out for this new notification and check…
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.