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

  • Sahar Mirkhosravi joins Treasury as Tax Analyst

    We are pleased to announce that Sahar Mirkhosravi will be joining the Treasury team as Tax Analyst (Term) starting August 1, 2024, to cover for Kelly Ren’s maternity leave. Sahar has gained over 13 years of work experience at UBC…

    Read more: Sahar Mirkhosravi joins Treasury as Tax Analyst
  • Staying cool at UBC

    Given the high temperatures that can occur in the summer, explore these resources to help stay cool and safe. UBC has multiple cooling centres and water is available across campus.

    Read more: Staying cool at UBC
  • Do you have a buddy at work?

    Tomorrow is International Day of Friendship, and in celebration, we want to highlight the importance of friendships and connections within and outside of our portfolio. Whether they are small or large, we hope you’ve had an opportunity to connect at…

    Read more: Do you have a buddy at work?
  • Cecille Lintag joins UBC Facilities as Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development

    Cecille Lintag has joined UBC Facilities as Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development until November 25, 2024 to cover for Natalie Wagorn while on leave. Cecille will play a pivotal role in the administration, reporting, and financial oversight of our…

    Read more: Cecille Lintag joins UBC Facilities as Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development
  • Abbey Hall joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services

    Abbey Hall joins VPFO as Executive Assistant, supporting Rae Ann Aldridge, Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services. Abbey comes to us from the University of Victoria, where she worked in both the Office of the President supporting the VP, Indigenous…

    Read more: Abbey Hall joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services

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