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

  • A new Utility Portal is coming your way! 

    The new UBC Utility Portal will be launching in Summer 2025. This portal will improve utility customers’ ability to manage their utility accounts and let them receive invoices online and go paperless!

    Read more: A new Utility Portal is coming your way! 
  • Changes to credit card issuance

    As part of closing the front counter reception on the fifth floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3), new UBC Visa cards and card renewals will be mailed out. Card pickup will no longer be an option. For ongoing…

    Read more: Changes to credit card issuance
  • Adopting a new Facilities service delivery model

    Starting April 1, Facilities will be transitioning to a more streamlined and sustainable service model, and the 15-hour non-billable labour limit for customer-funded services will be discontinued.

    Read more: Adopting a new Facilities service delivery model
  • Join the conversation: Get ready for VPFO Day on May 12

    On Monday, May 12, join us for a time of connection to talk about our work, our values and the culture we’re building within the VPFO.

    Read more: Join the conversation: Get ready for VPFO Day on May 12
  • Shifting our UBC Travel Program services

    Over the years, there has been a significant shift in the way the community books travel, moving away from the services offered through the University-related travel page. As such, we are shifting and streamlining our contract management and support for…

    Read more: Shifting our UBC Travel Program services

People of the VPFO

  • 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…

    Read more: Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
  • 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…

    Read more: Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
  • 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…

    Read more: Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate
  • 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…

    Read more: Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations
  • 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…

    Read more: Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office