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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Facilities completing the annual Confined Space Rescue Team exercises
Facilities’ Energy & Water Services and Building Operations recently completed their annual Confined Space Rescue Team on-site exercises. Rescuers were presented with different scenarios that required them to take the necessary steps to recognize, evaluate and develop a rescue plan to…
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UBC receives the NAFA Clean Air Awards
Facilities received eight NAFA Clean Air Awards for UBC buildings this year — AMS Student Nest, UBC Aquatic Centre, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), Forest Sciences Centre, Henry Angus Building, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and Wayne &…
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Migrating to TouchNet, the new digital payment solution at UBC
With the transition to Workday, the university has identified TouchNet as the new solution that will facilitate all digital payment transactions across all UBC campuses. To help our community stay informed and updated, the DPP launched a website, where you…
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Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective Oct 1, 2022
The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 3% as of Oct 1, 2022. 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…
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Pilot project to increase compliance with UBC required training
Safety & Risk Services within VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) in collaboration with VP Human Resources (VPHR), and UBC Information Technology (UBC IT) are launching a pilot project in VPHR and VPFO to increase compliance with required training, as mandated…
People of the VPFO
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Tracy Pham joins VPFO Communications & Engagement as Manager, Digital & Creative
In her new role, Tracy aims to transform the digital channels of the VPFO and bring forth new enhancements to optimize the user experience. As a multi-skilled marketer, she brings effective technical and communication skills that can help bridge the…
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Growing our capabilities and strengthening the Treasury team
With the transition of Holly’s maternity leave, Treasury has taken this as an opportunity to grow the capabilities and knowledge of the Treasury team, and strengthen the team’s ability to provide value-added service and advice across UBC. Please join us…
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Pera Hardy joins the Facilities Planning team in Infrastructure Development as Senior Facilities Planner
Pera is a registered architect (AIBC) and LEED Green Associate, Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Her programming, planning, design and construction experience in K-12 schools and post-secondary projects will be very beneficial to facilities planning work on campus.
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Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
It would be difficult for anyone to argue that Frank Laezza isn’t willing to go the distance for UBC. Fresh off a flight from Perth, Australia, he quite literally came from the opposite side of the planet to take up…
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Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
In his new role, Oliver will be responsible for providing strategic financial leadership within the 16 units of the VPRI portfolio. In addition to managing the portfolio budget of $58M, Oliver will support key initiatives that have significant impact on…