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’s Five-Year Capital Plan
Information on UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan 2023-24 to 2027-28 has been updated. UBC maintains a comprehensive plan for the development and renewal of institutional infrastructure to meet evolving academic needs as well as the needs of our growing campus communities.
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Pauline Li stepping into a new role in UBC Okanagan’s Infrastructure Development as Building Records Manager
In her new role, Pauline will be responsible for records management, facility planning, as well as management of document and drawing repositories to ensure accurate records of all are maintained and consistently represented across multiple systems and depositories.
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Temporary relocation of the three flagpoles to Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Due to the construction of the Recreation Centre and the upgrades to Student Union Boulevard, the three flagpoles will be temporarily installed at the East Mall Entrance and Plaza at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre by August 15, 2022.
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VPFO teams coming together to support the UBC community under heat warning
Last week a heat warning was issued for Metro Vancouver and the cooling systems in several buildings on the UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus simply could not handle these extreme conditions. Huge kudos to our VPFO teams’ teamwork and dedication…
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Fly-through video of UBC’s New Recreation Centre
The new facility will provide much needed recreation space including a state of the art fitness centre, three gymnasiums, an indoor track, and many other amenities. Watch this fly-through video of the New Recreation Centre on UBC Recreation’s YouTube channel.
People of the VPFO
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Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
Sam has been a driving force in finding opportunities to build a stronger foundation for our Campus Security teams. His extensive experience in leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security, and Risk Management roles in the public sector will make…
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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…