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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VPFO Pink Shirt Day 2022
On Feb 23rd 2022, Peter Smailes addressed the VPFO as part of our annual Pink Shirt Day event. Click though for a transcript of his speech to the team.
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Inside the new UBC Arts Student Centre
In November 2021, UBC Arts Student Centre officially opened its doors. The three-storey, cylindrical building located on East Mall and Walter Gage Road will be a common meeting ground for Arts students to interact across disciplines, with spaces to relax…
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T4/T4A Tax Slips and T2200s Forms Will Soon Be Available for Faculty and Staff
T4/T4A tax slips and T2200S forms will be made available for faculty and staff through the Workday system next week. In the meantime, UBC Finance has created some resources to answer any questions the community may have about their tax…
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Heat recovery chiller and coils successfully commissioned
The new heat recovery chiller in Chemistry D Block would be capable of providing its forecasted 5000GJ in annual thermal energy savings, saving the university almost $50,000 per year. Chemistry E Block is on track for their predicted energy savings…
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New Biomass Boiler going through commissioning at the BRDF
The new UBC biomass boiler is going through its commissioning tests at the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF). As the new boiler’s combustion is fine-tuned, you may notice some grey smoke, accompanied by a campfire scent, from the BRDF on occasion.
People of the VPFO
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Rae Ann Aldridge
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rae Ann Aldridge, Executive Director, Safety & Risk Services and her leadership vision: “I am a highly collaborative leader who works with her teams to inspire, influence and innovate towards…
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Frank Laezza
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Frank Laezza, VP Finance & Operations and his leadership vision: “I am committed, through my mentorship, collaboration and open communication, to fostering a culture of purpose-driven leadership within the VPFO.”
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2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. Congratulations to our 2023 Staff Excellence Award recipients!
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Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist within Facilities’ Building Operations
Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist and will be joining Building Operations within Facilities starting January 29, 2024. His expertise and data-driven decision-making will enhance asset management procedures, creating efficient and sustainable spaces for research, teaching, and learning…
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Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as Procurement Programs Advisor
Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as the new Procurement Programs Advisor on November 8th. She will play a vital role in implementing UBC’s approach for Indigenous procurement, Inclusive procurement, Environmentally Sustainable procurement and other strategic procurement projects.