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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Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
Jen Sheel takes pride in what her team does… and it shows. When you meet Jen, one of the first things you see is her dedication to making UBC a place that invites and builds connections. She fiercely believes that…
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Facilities Service Centre extends operating hours as of November 1
With two recent additions to the Customer Services and Informatics team, the Service Centre will be extending its hours to 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, as of November 1, 2022.
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Thunderbird Boulevard closure for the Transportation Test Bed Project
The eastbound and westbound lanes between the Thunderbird Parkade access and Health Sciences Mall/East Mall will be closed until November 3 noon. The westbound lane of Thunderbird Boulevard will remain closed until December.
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Working and planning together to ensure long-term reliability of electrical power supply
UBC Facilities and Safety & Risk Service recognizes the value of your work and the impact a disruption in electrical power supply can have on your research. By working and planning together, we can greatly reduce risk to infrastructure, equipment,…
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UBC Investment Management releases 2022 Annual Report
The Board of Directors and Management of UBC Investment Management is pleased to release the company’s 2021-22 Annual Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022. Read the report on the UBC Investment Management website.
People of the VPFO
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Strengthening Municipal Services’ Asset and Fleet Management Services within Facilities
In order to enhance their technical expertise in civil engineering, asset stewardship and fleet management, UBC Facilities’ Municipal Services is pleased to welcome two new team members, Fiona Keating, Senior Manager, and Rishi Purohit, Fleet and Asset Manager.
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Making accountability personal
Thomas Straley — with 20 years of experience in Accounts Payable — is one of the lucky people who find their dream job early and build an endlessly rewarding career.
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Joanna Huang steps into Finance Manager role supporting the VPHR and VPFO Admin portfolios
Since stepping into the Acting role in June 2022, Joanna has played an instrumental in supporting her client areas through a busy quarter-end and the start of the FY23 budget process.
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Frank Laezza appointed Vice-President, Finance and Operations
Mr. Laezza will join us from Murdoch University, Australia, where he is Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for leading the university’s business and finance functions, as well as for the management of its financial and capital resources. Mr. Laezza will…
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Gardenia Honório transitions into new role as Business Operations Manager within Facilities’ Customer Services and Informatics
Gardenia will lead the Facilities Service Centre and Clerical teams and the Staff Records team, support training and other important Facilities initiatives including onboarding, safety training scheduling, IT device management, etc.