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

  • Changes to UBC’s Hourly Payroll Process

    In order to ensure the timely processing of UBC’s hourly payroll, given the impact of COVID-19 measures, the university’s Payroll team has established a new process to eliminate the need for paper timesheets to collect, approve, and process hours for…

    Read more: Changes to UBC’s Hourly Payroll Process
  • Contact the Service Centre for all buildings and grounds related inquiries

    The Service Centre is open and the most effective and efficient platform for us to track, respond, and prioritize all buildings and grounds related inquiries, as well as Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) related requests.

    Read more: Contact the Service Centre for all buildings and grounds related inquiries
  • MacLeod Building Renewal public consultation will take place online

    Due to precautions in place for COVID-19, public consultation will take place online. Please review project materials and submit comments or questions via the feedback form on the Campus & Community Planning website by April 9, 2020. Construction is anticipated…

    Read more: MacLeod Building Renewal public consultation will take place online
  • Enhanced Security Measures on the Vancouver Campus

    Heightened security procedures and processes are in place on the UBC Vancouver campus to enhance the well-being and protect the safety of students, faculty, and staff. Please have your UBC ID, or equivalent, on display or ready to show when…

    Read more: Enhanced Security Measures on the Vancouver Campus
  • The VPFO is working with the rest of UBC in its response to COVID-19

    In this uncertain time the VPFO continues to provide some of UBC’s crucial services while protecting those that operate them.

    Read more: The VPFO is working with the rest of UBC in its response to COVID-19

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