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
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The VPFO’s portfolio finance team is evolving to help us perform and grow
When we talk about finance at UBC, we often think about the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) leading the university’s $3.65 billion consolidated budget process. However, what we sometimes overlook is our own portfolio’s finance team who are responsible for…
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Thanks to each of you for your inspired efforts
As many of us are beginning our transition into the holidays, I’d like to say a humble thank you to each of you for your inspired efforts to see us through the push to the end of the calendar year.…
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The VP Finance & Operations is expanding with the addition of UBC’s Enterprise Risk & Assurance
Effective January 15, 2024, the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) will be welcoming UBC’s Enterprise Risk & Assurance (ERA) team to the portfolio. This strategic transition is part of our ongoing efforts to optimize the university’s organizational structure, enhance operational…
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Construction begins on the Laboratory of Archeology – Iona Building
Construction has begun on the new Community Research Centre in the Laboratory of Archeology at the Iona Building. This project aims to create a new space for housing archaeological collections recovered from ancient villages and other archaeological sites around the…
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UBC launches Zero Waste Market to promote sustainability
UBC’s Furniture Reuse program featured in the Ubyssey. The initiative, lead by the UBC facilities department, aims to reduce waste on campus by promoting the reuse of furniture, electronics and other items.
People of the VPFO
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…