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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Rebecca Way joins UBCO Financial Operations as Procurement Manager
In her new role, Rebecca will be responsible for leading the local procurement team in the delivery of procurement services to the Okanagan campus, as well as actively engaging the campus community to increase understanding of procurement policies and workflows,…
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Lori Takenaka promoted to Safety Advisor, Facilities in Safety & Risk Services
In her new role as Safety Advisor, Facilities, Lori will lead a team of health and safety specialists and will continue to support UBC Facilities in the development and implementation of their health and safety programs.
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Teela Narsih promoted to Advisor, Safety Program Management & Systems in Safety & Risk Services
Teela began her career at UBC in 2015 where she has been an Occupational and Research Safety Associate with a focus on the development and implementation of the university’s safety program. Over the last 6 years, she has been instrumental…
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David Rowswell joins Facilities Information and Inventory Systems as Programmer Analyst in Infrastructure Development
David has worked in multiple roles at UBC. He is joining us on secondment from ITSC (Service Center) where he worked as part of our IT support team. After graduating from UBC with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in…
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Florante Navarro promoted to Sub-Head, Stores in Municipals Services
Florante brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help him transition into his new role as a Sub-Head and contribute to the team in a leadership capacity. He has worked with the Stores team for the past 3…