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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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.
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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’…
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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…
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UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…
People of the VPFO
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Welcoming Karen Zygun as the new VPFO Director of Human Resources
Karen Zygun will be joining UBC as the new Director of Human Resources for the VPFO. Karen will be a key leader in renewing the VPFO’s HR team and strategy, developing a strategy to build a stronger values-centered culture, and…
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Angela Huang joins the Office of the Comptroller as Senior Director of Financial Business Intelligence
We are pleased to announce that Angela Huang has joined the Office of the Comptroller as our new Senior Director of Financial Business Intelligence, effective March 3, 2025.
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Welcoming Maggie Ivanova as UBC’s New Chief Enterprise Risk & Assurance Officer
Maggie Ivanova will begin her role as UBC’s new Chief Enterprise Risk and Assurance Officer on April 7. She will provide strategic leadership to the university’s Internal Assurance and Enterprise Risk Management functions and will report jointly to the Vice-President,…
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Sarah Goold appointed as Director, Long-Term Financial Modelling & Planning
Sarah Goold has been appointed Director, Long-Term Financial Modelling & Planning and will oversee the Long-Term Financial Modelling & Planning team going forward.
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Lindsay Wyant transitions to the Financial Reporting team as the Interim Director, Financial Reporting
We are pleased to announce that Lindsay Wyant, Finance Manager, Capital Financial Reporting, will be transitioning to the Financial Reporting Team as the Interim Director, Financial Reporting.