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

  • 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

    Read more: And the winners of our premium emergency ranger kits are…
  • 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…

    Read more: Help UBC create design guidelines for more inclusive washrooms & changing rooms
  • Students, faculty and staff get Ranger Ready in The Nest

    On February 13, 2020 the AMS Student Nest was transformed into the UBC Emergency Ranger Station, where the Emergency Management team helped the UBC community get Ranger Ready, and prepare for emergency situations.

    Read more: Students, faculty and staff get Ranger Ready in The Nest
  • Legal Opinion Confirms the Way Forward to Divestment

    On Dec. 5, 2019, the Board of Governors formally directed VP Finance and UBC Counsel to lay out a pathway to full divestment of the university’s main endowment. Now the university has received a legal opinion which further confirms the…

    Read more: Legal Opinion Confirms the Way Forward to Divestment
  • Statement on passing of Robert H. Lee

    It is with deep sadness and a great sense of loss that we learned of the passing of Dr. Robert (Bob) H. Lee, CM, OBC, former Chancellor of UBC and Chairman of UBC Properties Trust on February 19, 2020.

    Read more: Statement on passing of Robert H. Lee

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