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

  • Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager

    As Senior Product Manager, Workday Student, Brian will be responsible for assembling and leading Integrated Service Centre’s new Workday Student product team. This will include supporting the functionality of Workday Student and driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that it…

    Read more: Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager
  • What does it look like to step outside of your comfort zone? Reflecting on VPFO team members’ acts of courage

    VPFO team members shared their stories on February 28, 2024, as hundreds of VPFO staff gathered for our 7th annual Pink Shirt Day . Together, we celebrated this year’s theme of Acts of Courage, with a sub-theme of Brave Spaces…

    Read more: What does it look like to step outside of your comfort zone? Reflecting on VPFO team members’ acts of courage
  • Claiming employment expenses with the T2200 form

    Although the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) discontinued the T2200S short forms for the 2023 tax year, some may still be eligible to deduct home office expenses with the T2200 detailed form. More information can be found on the Claiming Employment…

    Read more: Claiming employment expenses with the T2200 form
  • Say Goodbye to the old Power House

    The demolition of the Power House is in progress to make way for the planned development of the UBC Sauder Power House Expansion. Learn more about the project.

    Read more: Say Goodbye to the old Power House
  • Divya Shetty joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Centre Manager

    Welcome Divya Shetty, New ISC Service Centre Manager. Divya has been with the ISC since May 2023, in her first role as a Service Desk Support Specialist, where she demonstrated an exemplary work ethic, people-first approach and unwavering commitment to…

    Read more: Divya Shetty joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Centre Manager

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