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

  • We are the VPFO: Join us on May 31

    The VPFO is a team, our work is connected, and we achieve great things for UBC by working together. On May 31 we have an opportunity to gather and hear from our new Vice-President Frank Laezza, as well as to connect with…

    Read more: We are the VPFO: Join us on May 31
  • 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…

    Read more: Maintaining an ideal exam experience at UBC
  • 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.

    Read more: Meet UBC’s new cogeneration engine
  • 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’…

    Read more: UBC Facilities supports student team in the construction of a unique building
  • 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…

    Read more: Thank you for your warm welcome from our new VP, Frank Laezza 

People of the VPFO

  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Helen Yung

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Helen Yung, Comptroller and her leadership vision: “I lead my team to provide financial leadership through outstanding performance reporting, budget allocation and management processes, and financial disciplines to enable UBC…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Helen Yung
  • Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager

    As Senior Product Manager, Workday Student, Brian will be responsible for assembling and leading Integrated Service Centre’s new Workday Student product team. This will include supporting the functionality of Workday Student and driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that it…

    Read more: Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager
  • Divya Shetty joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Centre Manager

    Welcome Divya Shetty, New ISC Service Centre Manager. Divya has been with the ISC since May 2023, in her first role as a Service Desk Support Specialist, where she demonstrated an exemplary work ethic, people-first approach and unwavering commitment to…

    Read more: Divya Shetty joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Centre Manager