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 publishes first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures Report
UBC endorses the adoption of Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and is committed to producing annual TCFD disclosures alongside supporting TCFD’s global mission of market transparency.
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Updated COVID-19 Campus Rules
UBC has updated the COVID-19 Campus Rules to reflect the recent Provincial Health Orders. There are currently no province-wide restrictions at this time. All students, faculty, staff, and others must check themselves for COVID-19 symptoms prior to engaging in in-person…
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UBC Facilities driving operational efficiency and resilience through the MacLeod Building renewal:
“This was an incredible opportunity for our teams to come together and transform a historical building into a more efficient and sustainable facility that aligns with our university’s strategic goals,” notes Noel McNally, Project Manager in Project Services within UBC…
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Welcoming Frank Laezza, our new VP Finance & Operations
We are pleased to share the appointment of Frank Laezza as UBC’s new Vice-President, Finance and Operations. Mr. Laezza will be starting in his new role here in the VPFO early in the spring of 2023.
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UBC Parking Alert – Rose Garden Parkade Closure for UBC Graduation
A reminder to all permit holders that UBC Parking permits will not be valid at Rose Garden parkade on UBC Graduation dates (weekdays from November 15 to 25) from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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…