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

  • 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.

    Read more: UBC publishes first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures Report
  • 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…

    Read more: Updated COVID-19 Campus Rules
  • 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…

    Read more: UBC Facilities driving operational efficiency and resilience through the MacLeod Building renewal:
  • 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.

    Read more: Welcoming Frank Laezza, our new VP Finance & Operations
  • 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.

    Read more: UBC Parking Alert – Rose Garden Parkade Closure for UBC Graduation

People of the VPFO

  • 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
  • Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services as Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor

    Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services’ Privacy & Information Security Management (PrISM) team, stepping into the role of Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor. Learn more about Eric.

    Read more: Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services as Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: John Metras

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know John Metras, Associate Vice-President, Facilities and his leadership vision: “I am an inclusive, action-oriented leader. I engage and empower my team and collaborate with stakeholders to build and maintain a…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: John Metras