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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Your data, your privacy: Join the conversation
Privacy Matters @ UBC is excited to host Data Privacy Week from January 28 to 30, 2025, a series of informative and insightful sessions focusing on privacy and information security. You’re invited to engage in discussions about crucial privacy issues…
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Brad Klaiber joins the Office of the Comptroller as Senior Director, Accounting and Compliance
We are pleased to welcome Brad Klaiber as the new Senior Director, Accounting and Compliance, joining the Office of the Comptroller on January 6, 2025. Reporting to the Comptroller, Brad will be entrusted with providing leadership to the Finance Reporting…
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Explore the new UBC Finance website and portal built from your feedback
As of January 6, the UBC finance website (finance.ubc.ca) has transitioned into two platforms. The new platforms will improve navigation, information security, and accessibility.
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Sabrina Lin joins VPFO as Executive Assistant to the VPFO HR Director and Treasurer
Sabrina Lin joins the VPFO Admin team as an Executive Assistant to the VPFO HR Director and Treasurer. Sabrina brings a wealth of experience in project management, event coordination and client service.
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University cheque mailing resuming as normal starting December 17
Canada Post has announced it is resuming operations on Tuesday, December 17. All cheques produced for students, employees, and suppliers that were held for pickup at UBC during the postal strike will be mailed out with immediate effect.
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…