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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Last pick-ups from Environment Services Facilities will be on December 14, 2023
The Environmental Services Facilities (ESF) will be closed starting December 18, 2023 until January 2, 2024. There will be no hazardous waste pick-ups during this break. The last pick-up day from academic department labs will be Thursday December 14, 2023.
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UBC receives NAFA Clean Air Awards 2023
This year, UBC Facilities received four NAFA Clean Air Awards for its outstanding air filtration practices in the following buildings: Allard Hall, Earth Sciences Building, Life Building, and the Walter C. Koerner Library.
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Final Settlement runs for 2023
The final settlement (payment) runs for all 2023 Accounts Payable transactions will take place on Thursday, December 21 at 12:00 pm. In order to be included in the settlement run, the invoice/expense must be fully approved or matched to its…
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Coast Salish Two-Spirit Mosaic mural installed
Last week, the Coast Salish Two-Spirit Mosaic mural was installed west of the First Nations Long House (FNLH) building on the West Mall. This mural represents Coast Salish Two-Spirit unity, dignity, and respect.
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Accepting credit card payments over the phone
The acceptance of credit card payments over the phone is deemed to be a transmission of cardholder data. If a Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephone is used as a means of transmission, both the credit card process and UBC…
People of the VPFO
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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…
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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…