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

  • Save lives with an AED

    An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an easy-to-use, portable device that can restart a person’s heart. Anyone can use an AED. The device will only administer an electrical shock if the heart needs it. Learn where AEDs are located on…

    Read more: Save lives with an AED
  • Tanya Nyandong joins Facilities as Custodial Manager for the Evening Shift

    Tanya brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. She has a robust background in facilities management that will help support and enhance our operations.

    Read more: Tanya Nyandong joins Facilities as Custodial Manager for the Evening Shift
  • 2024 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) now available

    The BC Financial Information Act requires that public institutions publish certain supplementary information. This information is published annually, following the March 31 year end. The Annual Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) for year ended March 31, 2024, is now available…

    Read more: 2024 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) now available
  • The latest Facility Condition Index is available

    Facilities has updated the bubble diagrams that show the condition of UBC Vancouver Point Grey owned buildings as assessed by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills in 2023. These diagrams are augmented by renovations completed to date after…

    Read more: The latest Facility Condition Index is available
  • Building a sustainable UBC: Saving energy and water on campus

    In the past year, UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services led three key projects to help UBC meet our sustainability goals and lessen energy and water usage on the Vancouver campus.

    Read more: Building a sustainable UBC: Saving energy and water on campus

People of the VPFO

  • 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…

    Read more: Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
  • 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…

    Read more: Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
  • 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