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

  • Getting ready for UniForum: Support resources for participants available

    UBC is getting ready to participate for the fifth time in the UniForum benchmarking program. If you’ve been contacted to act as a Primary Contact or Respondent, thank you for your support of this important initiative! If you are a…

    Read more: Getting ready for UniForum: Support resources for participants available
  • New art connects The Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory

    UBC Facilities’ Infrastructure Development recently completed the project to install the large-scale bronze artwork co-created by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) master carver Kayám̓ Richard Campbell and Haida master carver and hereditary chief James Hart, 7idansuu (Edenshaw). The new artwork now anchors Hart’s…

    Read more: New art connects The Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory
  • MOA Great Hall Renewal project is coming together

    Over the last 6 months, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA): Great Hall Renewal project team has been working on foundations, pre-cast and cast in place structures. Once the structure has been completed, skylights and vertical glazing will be ready for…

    Read more: MOA Great Hall Renewal project is coming together
  • Newly installed Musqueam art pieces at Henry Angus Building

    Facilities recently coordinated the installation of three Musqueam Art pieces created by Susan Point, a Coast Salish artist from Musqueam and a First Nation in Vancouver, British Columbia, in the atrium of the Henry Angus Building.

    Read more: Newly installed Musqueam art pieces at Henry Angus Building
  • UBC’s transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic

    As of today (May 15), the university has disestablished the COVID-19 Campus Rules which provided vital guidance for our community during the pandemic. In addition, previous COVID-19 resources such as the main websites, FAQS and signage will be removed or…

    Read more: UBC’s transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic

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