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

  • Who wants a hug from a bug? Get your free flu shot!

    Boost your wellbeing and promote a healthy campus by getting your free flu shot at the UBC Flu Clinic — it’s your best protection against the flu.

    Read more: Who wants a hug from a bug? Get your free flu shot!
  • Get ready to ShakeOut

    This October, practice the Great BC Shakeout, an annual province-wide earthquake drill for everyone to practice how to protect themselves and to be better prepared in the event of an earthquake.

    Read more: Get ready to ShakeOut
  • Join UBC in the 2019 United Way Campaign

    Every year, almost 800 of UBC staff and faculty donate to the UBC United Way campaign. Starting on Monday, Oct. 7, you can support the university’s only board-approved charity by becoming a UBC United Way donor.

    Read more: Join UBC in the 2019 United Way Campaign
  • Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO

    VPFO strategic plan asks us to inspire great people. There’s nothing more inspiring than our Presidential Award-winning co-workers and how their dedication and service makes a daily difference at UBC.

    Read more: Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO
  • Safety Practices and Awareness

    This week’s incident at the West Parkade has left some of us reflecting on our safety practices and awareness. I would like to remind our VPFO community about some resources on campus to help you refresh your sense of safety.

    Read more: Safety Practices and Awareness

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