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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Supply chain impacted due to the state of emergency in BC
UBC is working with key internal and external parties to ensure that critical supplies continue to be available to support the campus community. We appreciate your patience as we work through this period of disruption.
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Avoid slips, trips, and falls this winter with some simple tips
Winter is almost here, and with it comes cold weather and a greater risk of slips, trips or falls. Practice safe winter walking to help you stay on your feet this winter, available on the Safety & Risk Services website.
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Major milestone in the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility expansion project
The Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) is burning biomass once again! The Energy & Water Services Thermal Operations Team re-lit the biomass gasification system on November 10, 2021, and the BRDF is now producing renewable thermal energy for the Academic…
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A Common Ground: Arts Student Centre Opens its Doors
The Arts Student Centre has officially opened its doors to the UBC community. The three-storey 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…
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Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university
In alignment with the VPFO and SRS strategic plan, Safety & Risk Services (SRS) is moving to the next step that builds on our strengths and opportunities to continue to align around enhanced safety and reduced risk for faculty, staff,…
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…