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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Read more: VPFO Monday Update – June 9, 2025
VPFO Monday Update – June 9, 2025
The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on June 9, 2025.
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Read more: Do you know the signs and symptoms of heat stress?
Do you know the signs and symptoms of heat stress?
Get ready for rising temperatures, and learn how to identify signs and symptoms, the risks related to heat-related illnesses and how to protect yourself by completing the Heat Stress Awareness course on the WPL website. When a worker is hot…
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Read more: Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic closing University Services Building location
Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic closing University Services Building location
The Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic located within the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing at USB will be phasing out their services for the location. As of June 30, 2025, physiotherapy services will be relocating to the nearby…
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Read more: Understand your safety role at UBC, whether you’re a student, faculty, staff, or volunteer
Understand your safety role at UBC, whether you’re a student, faculty, staff, or volunteer
All members of the UBC community have a role to play in supporting the University’s Safety Accountability structure. Whether you are supervising others, conducting research, providing services, or participating in academic activities, understanding your responsibilities are essential to maintaining a…
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Read more: Joining the conversation at VPFO Day
Joining the conversation at VPFO Day
On May 12, 2025, the VPFO portfolio came together to explore how our values of innovation, unity, and accountability, empower us to shape the future of our portfolio and support UBC. Relive the moments from VPFO Day through our event recordings…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
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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Read more: Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
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…
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Read more: Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
Passionate about contributing to the UBC community, Dimitri is a current shop steward, previous union delegate, and participant in two apprenticeship committees. He was awarded the Kim Nulty award in 2020 for his contributions and excellence in categories like employee…
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Read more: Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
A powerful duo in the VPFO, Aletha Utimati, a PMP-certified Project Manager and Sandy Sull, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) bring completely different expertise but share a vision for an innovative campus, a passion for collaboration, and the ability to…
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Read more: Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate
Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate
Rosanna’s experience in the Research Compliance and Occupational Hygiene team in SRS and consulting industry will be extremely beneficial in her new role. She will be transitioning from the Donald Rix office to join the Facilities Safety team in the…