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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Update on Contacting Payroll
Payroll Operations is requesting that all payroll inquiries be submitted via the UBC self-service portal, effective September 1, 2021. Payroll will address the submitted tickets in order of priority, which will assist us in identifying issues impacting our processes as…
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Our next steps for return to campus
We have all been following the news from the Provincial Government and have seen the recent messages from Santo Ono about the latest changes to COVID-19 public health guidance. We know our return to campus will need to be different…
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From the classroom to the virtual space, and back again – How UBC’s Learning Spaces team is getting ready for a return to campus
The Learning Spaces team is part of UBC Facilities. When it comes to teaching, learning, and research, an optimal physical environment is crucial for creating an experience that is engaging and collaborative. What does the shift away from learning in…
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District Energy System (DES) Valve Optimization program
Since April 2021, Energy & Water Services has been undergoing a District Energy System (DES) valve optimization project across campus. This project was executed over two phases in 10 worksites and included 18 valves — starting with one of the…
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VCH drop-in vaccination clinic is available at Life Sciences Centre
The Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) drop-in vaccination clinic will be open at the Life Sciences Centre on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on your eligibility and vaccine availability.
People of the VPFO
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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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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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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…
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Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations
Meynardo joined Building Operations in September 2012 as a carpenter in the Yellow Zone Carpenter and later became the Sub-head for the Carpenter Shop. Bringing a wealth of trade and customer service experience, Meynardo will help to build out processes…
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Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office
Sandy Zarka will be seconded as the new Manager of Administration and Executive Assistant to the Interim President for the Presidential transition period. While Sandy is with the President’s Office, Holly Rail will continue in her current role as executive…