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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Keeping our campus warm
It’s not easy keeping a campus as large as UBC warm throughout the cooler months. Most buildings on the UBC Vancouver campus are connected to a centralized thermal energy system managed by Energy & Water Services. Kudos to our thermal…
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Finance & HR IRP Benefits Realization Management to cease monthly reporting in April 2023
Since 2020, Integrated Renewal Program’s Benefits Realization Management (IRP BRM) has been providing visibility into UBC’s journey towards achieving the benefits of implementing Workday HR and Finance. Now in its third year and with the current fiscal year coming to…
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Welcome Frank Laezza!
Today marks the official start of Frank Laezza’s tenure with UBC as our new Vice-President Finance & Operations. As a strong believer in connected leadership, Frank is looking forward to working with the VPFO team of 1400+ people in the…
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Daylight Savings time can affect workplace health & safety
A reminder that Daylight Savings Time is taking place this weekend on Sunday, March 12th where we “spring ahead” and advance our clocks forward by one hour. This means that we will all wake up one hour earlier than normal.…
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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…
People of the VPFO
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Michelle Yuen joins the Project Accounting team within Comptroller as a Financial Analyst
Michelle Yuen has joined the Project Accounting team within Comptroller as a Financial Analyst on January 27. She comes to us with a wealth of experience in regulatory reporting and analysis, most recently having worked with the Royal Bank of…
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Charles Creelman is promoted to Electrical Technical Specialist in Facilities’ Building Operations
Charles Creelman has been promoted to Electrical Technical Specialist (ETS) in Facilities’ Building Operations and will be starting in his new role on Monday, January 27. Join us in congratulating Charles on his well-deserved promotion!
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Leena Mahasen joins VPFO as Executive Director, Transformation and Strategy
Leena Mahasen will be joining as an Executive Director, Transformation and Strategy in the VP Finance & Operations on Monday, February 10. Reporting to the VP Finance & Operations, Leena’s expertise and leadership will play a key role in driving…
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Crystal Liu joins UBC Facilities as a Buyer for Project Services
Crystal Liu is joining the sourcing team as a Buyer for Project Services on January 8. Before UBC, she was a Procurement Advisor and Supply Chain Planner at Suncor for 13 years.
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John Ede joins UBC Facilities’ Municipal Services as Contract Manager
John will be joining UBC Facilities on January 13. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering, a Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs, and is a Certified Supply Chain Professional.