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: Begin the Academic Year on Track by Ensuring Your Supplier Is Set-up Properly
Begin the Academic Year on Track by Ensuring Your Supplier Is Set-up Properly
This is a reminder that Purchase Orders or Outstanding Invoices cannot be issued or paid without a supplier record in Workday. To avoid procurement and payment delays, please submit your supplier setup and change requests in Workday as soon as possible.
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Read more: Faculty and staff housing targeting Passive House certification opens at UBC
Faculty and staff housing targeting Passive House certification opens at UBC
Evolve is a new 110-unit faculty and staff rental building in UBC’s Wesbrook Place neighbourhood. Passive House-certified buildings consume up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings.
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Read more: Rachael Donovan joins Facilities as Reuse Initiative Coordinator
Rachael Donovan joins Facilities as Reuse Initiative Coordinator
Rachel has a background in sustainability, energy management, waste reduction, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. She will be taking on tasks related to managing and reporting on the Furniture Reuse Initiative and the Green Labs Program, as well…
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Read more: Closure of East Mall at Hospital Lane from August 24–31
Closure of East Mall at Hospital Lane from August 24–31
East Mall between Hospital Lane and Biological Sciences Road will be closed due to District Energy System repair work from Wednesday, August 24 to Wednesday, August 31. During this time, any access for deliveries or service vehicles will be accommodated via…
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Read more: Upcoming road closures
Upcoming road closures
Wesbrook Mall upgrades is nearing completion, however, Wesbrook Mall will remain closed from Walter Gage Road to Chancellor Boulevard until September 5. Thunderbird Boulevard will be impacted for the duration of the UBC Hydrogen Hub / Transportation Test Bed project.…
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…