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

  • Come out and watch Frank Laezza play in this year’s Battle of the Bats!

    Come out and cheer for a thrilling opportunity to see UBC’s student leaders face off against members of UBC’s Executive and Board of Governors. Frank Laezza, Vice-President Finance & Operations, will be playing on Team Exec on Thursday, August 29,…

    Read more: Come out and watch Frank Laezza play in this year’s Battle of the Bats!
  • Read UBC’s 2024 Annual Financial Statements

    The Annual Financial Statements for year ended March 31, 2024, is now available on the UBC Finance website. UBC’s consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of UBC, covering the fiscal year from April 1 to March…

    Read more: Read UBC’s 2024 Annual Financial Statements
  • Update: Public Health Officer order for COVID-19

    On July 26, 2024, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an order to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinded all related Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders. Please update any UBC materials referencing the PHO and properly retain or destroy…

    Read more: Update: Public Health Officer order for COVID-19
  • Beat the heat this summer

    During extreme heat, it’s important to lower your activity levels and stay in a cool area drinking fluids. If a heat warning has been issued, seek access to a cool space or go to a cooling centre. Know the signs…

    Read more: Beat the heat this summer
  • Show your connection to the VPFO with updated templates

    You’ve already seen the new look at VPFO Day and on our websites. Now it’s your turn to integrated this look and feel to your own reports, presentations, and more. The new updated templates will help build consistency to communications…

    Read more: Show your connection to the VPFO with updated templates

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