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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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…
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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.
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Polina Sefin joins as Service Centre Coordinator within Customer Services & Informatics, Facilities
When dealing with inquiries and supply chain-related issues, Polina’s approach is to always work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and aim for the best outcome of each request received. Her robust customer service skills and experience working in complex organizations in…
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Conor Hourigan promoted to Subhead Millwright in Building Operations
Conor’s expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining various mechanical equipment throughout campus has enabled him to excel in the Millwright team. He has also provided strong leadership and support as the temporary fill-in subhead and head role.
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Steve Carey promoted to Facilities Manager in Customer Services and Informatics
Steve brings to the Facilities Manager team experience in the aviation industry, as well as strong customer services experience from 14 years of creating good working relationships with UBC clients and staff.
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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.