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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Campus Security Get a New Set of Wheels
To help team members provide an efficient service around campus, Campus Security has invested in a brand new Gem e2 electric vehicle. The vehicle has zero emissions and runs at a fraction of the cost of a traditional gas vehicle.
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VPFO Gathers for Pink Shirt Day 2020
Team members from across the VPFO gathered on February 26 to celebrate Pink Shirt Day 2020, and talk about respect, diversity and inclusion.
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Indian Residential School History & Dialogue Centre wins 2019 North American Copper in Architecture Award
The only winner in Western Canada, UBC’s Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) features a standing seam copper roof that embodies the Coast Salish’s idea that the chief’s copper represents dignity.
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And the winners of our premium emergency ranger kits are…
Find out who the lucky contest winners are from the UBC Emergency Ranger Station event on February 13
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Help UBC create design guidelines for more inclusive washrooms & changing rooms
Last month, Infrastructure Development and Equity & Inclusive office hosted three pop-up open house events to engage with UBC students, faculty, and staff to get a better understanding of the range of experiences and concerns regarding washrooms and changing at…
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…