Interim Vice-President, Operations
John oversees Facilities, VPFO Communications & Engagement, VPFO Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services, as well as overall responsibility for operational matters of the VPFO.
John has over 20 years of experience in facilities development and operations including his previous roles as Associate Vice-President, Facilities, Managing Director, Infrastructure Development and Director of UBC Plant Operations (now Building Operations).
John has played an integral role in helping UBC evolve into a global leader in sustainability. He has worked on a wide range of initiatives including the Campus as a Living Lab program, the 20-Year Sustainability Strategy, LEED Platinum and LEED Gold certified building projects, and the development of the Brock Commons Tall Wood student residence.
John has a Bachelor of Engineering Science from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia, and is a registered Professional Engineer.
facilities.ubc.ca
Updates from John
Welcoming Frank Laezza, our new VP Finance & Operations
We are pleased to share the appointment of Frank Laezza as UBC’s new Vice-President, Finance and Operations. Mr. Laezza will be starting in his new role here in the VPFO early in the spring of 2023.
Improving our workplace together
UBC is committed to advancing Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EDI) through our Inclusion Action Plan, and by working together, moving our ideas into actions. Our next step is that each of you take the time to complete the mandatory EDI training courses, and review the resources available on our VPFO website’s EDI section.
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 in ensuring the university community's safety as high temperatures soared across BC.
Continuing as one VPFO under Karamjeet Heer and John Metras’ leadership
Starting June 1, Karamjeet Heer will begin serving as the Interim Vice-President, Finance, and John Metras will become the Interim Vice-President, Operations following the departure of Peter Smailes, former Vice-President, Finance and Operations.
May 26 VPFO Town Hall Presentation and Slides
In this VPFO town hall, we reviewed the leadership transition plan, looked back on our accomplishments, and learned about our strategic plan together as one portfolio. The town hall recording and presentation slides are now available.