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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Read more: Tania Shepelska joins the Integrated Service Centre as Cross Functional Product Sustainment and Support Manager
Tania Shepelska joins the Integrated Service Centre as Cross Functional Product Sustainment and Support Manager
Welcome Tania Shepelska, New Cross Functional Product Sustainment and Support Manager. Tania joins the Integrated Service Centre (ISC) after her five-year experience with IRP Student where she started as Subject Matter Expert in Records & Advising and then served as…
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Read more: Ashley Andrews joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst
Ashley Andrews joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Ashley Andrews to Senior Financial Analyst, Capital Financial Reporting. Ashley brings extensive experience in Capital Reporting and Financial Analysis through the preparation of financial regulatory documents, development of complex financial models, and conducting in-depth financial…
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Read more: Ongoing Support for Calumo

Ongoing Support for Calumo
Over the past few weeks, as the initial steps of developing a finance data and reporting strategy for UBC, we introduced an expanded toolset for our finance community. Thank you to those of you who have so far joined training…
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Read more: Showcasing the VPFO at CAUBO

Showcasing the VPFO at CAUBO
We’re proud to recognize our VPFO speakers at the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) Annual Conference on June 3–5. The conference brings together university administrators from across Canada to learn about best practices on hot topics in higher…
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Read more: New process for submitting expenses on behalf of students

New process for submitting expenses on behalf of students
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
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…
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Read more: Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
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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Read more: Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
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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Read more: Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
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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Read more: Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate
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…