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

  • Holiday crime prevention tips from UBC Campus Security

    Happy Holidays from UBC Campus Security! While you’re out enjoying the hustle and bustle of the holidays, keep these tips in mind for a safe, happy and crime-free season holiday season on campus. 

    Read more: Holiday crime prevention tips from UBC Campus Security
  • UBC embraces mass timber with $180 million Gateway Building

    Wood construction allowed the University of British Columbia to represent three of its core values in designing the new Gateway Building: sustainability, personal well-being and Indigenous collaboration. The six-storey, 267,000-square-foot mass timber building is designed to be an iconic welcoming…

    Read more: UBC embraces mass timber with $180 million Gateway Building
  • Facilities teams work together to ensure an ideal exam experience for UBC students

    Twice a year, at end of Term 1 and 2, Custodial Services and Municipal Services work together to set up Osborne Gym and Student Recreation Centre (SRC) Gym with 1,340 tables and chairs, to support and maintain an ideal exam experience…

    Read more: Facilities teams work together to ensure an ideal exam experience for UBC students
  • Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective January 1, 2023

    The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 4% as of Jan 1, 2023. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will have an effect on future loans made…

    Read more: Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective January 1, 2023
  • Final Settlement runs for 2022

    The final settlement (payment) runs for all Accounts Payable transactions will be occurring in the third week of December. In order to be included in the settlement run, the invoice/expense must be fully approved or matched to its purchase order,…

    Read more: Final Settlement runs for 2022

People of the VPFO

  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rae Ann Aldridge

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rae Ann Aldridge, Executive Director, Safety & Risk Services and her leadership vision: “I am a highly collaborative leader who works with her teams to inspire, influence and innovate towards…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rae Ann Aldridge
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Frank Laezza

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Frank Laezza, VP Finance & Operations and his leadership vision: “I am committed, through my mentorship, collaboration and open communication, to fostering a culture of purpose-driven leadership within the VPFO.”

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Frank Laezza
  • 2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners

    The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. Congratulations to our 2023 Staff Excellence Award recipients!

    Read more: 2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
  • Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist within Facilities’ Building Operations

    Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist and will be joining Building Operations within Facilities starting January 29, 2024. His expertise and data-driven decision-making will enhance asset management procedures, creating efficient and sustainable spaces for research, teaching, and learning…

    Read more: Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist within Facilities’ Building Operations
  • Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as Procurement Programs Advisor

    Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as the new Procurement Programs Advisor on November 8th. She will play a vital role in implementing UBC’s approach for Indigenous procurement, Inclusive procurement, Environmentally Sustainable procurement and other strategic procurement projects.

    Read more: Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as Procurement Programs Advisor