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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Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit
Prior to joining us, Shilan was a Research Safety Coordinator at Simon Fraser University, where she acted as the EHS (environment, health, and safety) resource person for the Local Joint Health & Safety Committee to provide updates on policies and practices and address…
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Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting
Sandy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 16 years of accounting experience across various industries. She will partner with other VPFO team members to continuously improve business processes and enable effective financial management throughout the portfolio.
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Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities
Stuart will be responsible for developing and managing programs to achieve the implementation of infrastructure and services plans, reporting to Doug Doyle, Senior Manager, and work closely with the Mechanical Utilities unit.
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Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff
The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC. See the full list of VPFO team…
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New Project Coordinator and Project Supervisors begin their roles in Asset Replacement & Improvements
Asset Replacement & Improvements (ARI) is in the process of implementing a new approach to the Construction Office, which will allow for greater project delivery efficiency, and help our teams be more successful in service delivery to the community. A…