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

  • Manpreet Suhi joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance in PrISM

    We are pleased to welcome Manpreet Suhi as the new Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance joining Privacy and Information Security Management (PrISM) within Safety & Risk Services (SRS).

    Read more: Manpreet Suhi joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance in PrISM
  • A big thank you from the VPFO EDI committee

    The VPFO EDI committee wishes to extend a huge heartfelt thank you to all current and outgoing members for their invaluable contributions to the various initiatives and achievements accomplished throughout the past several years. For those interested in joining the…

    Read more: A big thank you from the VPFO EDI committee
  • 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

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