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

  • Regular testing and maintenance lead to quick action in an emergency

    Fire alarms are the first line of defence against the effects of fire, providing early warning to occupants and enabling swift action to mitigate property damage. Thank you to all our teams and crews for the swift response and all…

    Read more: Regular testing and maintenance lead to quick action in an emergency
  • Visit our VPFO booths at UBC’s Welcome Back BBQ

    Campus Security and Emergency Management from Safety & Risk Services, and Procurement Programs from Finance & Integrated Services will all have a booth at the UBC Welcome Back Staff and Faculty BBQ on September 11. Stop by, come say hello…

    Read more: Visit our VPFO booths at UBC’s Welcome Back BBQ
  • Brock Commons South opens to welcome its first cohort of students

    With construction now complete for Brock Commons South, UBC expands its Vancouver campus with the new residence. We extend our gratitude to all our teams who contributed in making this project a reality. The new facility serves not only as…

    Read more: Brock Commons South opens to welcome its first cohort of students
  • Hailey Maxwell steps into new role as Director, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning

    Starting September 3, Hailey Maxwell will be stepping into her new role as Director, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning. In this new role, Hailey will also be joining the Safety & Risk Services leadership team.

    Read more: Hailey Maxwell steps into new role as Director, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning
  • Safety Awareness Week is September 9–13, 2024

    September 9–13 is Safety Awareness Week. Let’s start the year off right by learning how to keep yourself and the UBC community safe and secure on campus.

    Read more: Safety Awareness Week is September 9–13, 2024

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