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

  • Help keep rodents out of your work spaces

    Rodent activity and indoor migration increases as the weather gets colder, and they move indoors for shelter and food. Help prevent rodents from moving in by securing your waste and food. Learn more about prevention and how to report signs…

    Read more: Help keep rodents out of your work spaces
  • Are you prepared for an earthquake?

    On October 17, 2024, practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:17 a.m. during the annual Great BC ShakeOut. As part of ShakeOut, UBC will be testing its emergency notification system, UBC Alert. Learn more about how you…

    Read more: Are you prepared for an earthquake?
  • Construction begins for UBC Sauder Expansion

    This month, the UBC Sauder Power House Expansion Project will begin construction for a new 11-storey building that will sit on the former Power House site and next to the current Sauder School of Business facility. The demolition of the Power…

    Read more: Construction begins for UBC Sauder Expansion
  • Strengthening project and data management across the VPFO and UBC

    We are pleased to introduce the new position of Executive Director, Transformation & Strategy, which will drive UBC’s finance transformation by developing a strategic financial planning and analysis framework aimed at enhancing financial efficiency and modernizing our approach.

    Read more: Strengthening project and data management across the VPFO and UBC
  • Celebrate Circular Economy Month

    Join the Furniture Reuse Program team at the Zero Waste Market this October and November for reduced prices to celebrate Circular Economy Month! The Zero Waste Market sells gently used furniture best suited for home use and small budgets, as…

    Read more: Celebrate Circular Economy Month

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