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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Steven Bao Joins UBC as Finance Director, Special Projects
Starting January 11th Steven will be working with the Karamjeet Heer in the Comptroller’s portfolio, with a focus on financial reporting matters.
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Join virtual open house on UBCO in downtown Kelowna
Join us virtually on January 19 at 7 p.m. to learn more about this initiative and share your thoughts during a virtual open house. In partnership with UBC Properties Trust, UBC Okanagan is planning a new building in downtown Kelowna.…
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Spreading some holiday cheer at UBC Hospital’s Patient Park
After the water feature was shut down at UBC Hospital’s Patient Park for the winter months, lights were installed in the park to spread some holiday cheer! Building Operations’ Streets & Operations Support (SOS) team wanted to brighten the park…
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Year End Payment Cycle and Procurement Dates
The final payment cycle dates for 2020 calendar year end, as well as the procurement deadlines for the 2020/2021 fiscal year, are now available for the UBC community on the UBC Finance website.
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Demolition underway at DH Copp Building
After almost 60 years of service, the DH Copp Building is handed over to UBC Properties Trust and behind construction fencing. This is the first step to the demolition of the building which will take place in Spring 2021.
People of the VPFO
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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…
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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…