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

  • Continuing to measure your Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt project

    Now that you have submitted your Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt report for your certification, you are encouraged to monitor the results that you have set in your goals on a quarterly basis. Operational Excellence has created a SharePoint site…

    Read more: Continuing to measure your Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt project
  • 2022/2023 Year End Timelines and Procedures now available

    The 2022/23 Year End timelines and procedures are now available. Join us in the call-in session on March 7 to review the fiscal year-end timelines and procedures. This year’s campus cut-off for year-end processing is Wednesday, April 5.

    Read more: 2022/2023 Year End Timelines and Procedures now available
  • UBC Annual Screening Mammography Clinic on March 22, 2023

    The Screening Mammography Program (SMP) Mobile Services will once again be visiting the UBC Point Grey Campus. BC women ages 40 and up with a primary care provider can book a screening mammogram directly through the program without a doctor’s…

    Read more: UBC Annual Screening Mammography Clinic on March 22, 2023
  • Seminar: Everything you need to know about occupational sensitization

    Whether you work in a lab, animal facility, workshop, museum — or even an office, you may come into contact with sensitizers at your workplace. UBC Safety & Risk Services has invited industry and academia experts to educate the community…

    Read more: Seminar: Everything you need to know about occupational sensitization
  • Share your feedback on UBC’s Statements on Responsible Investing

    The UBC community is invited to comment on the Statements on Responsible Investing in preparation for the submission to the UBC Board of Governors in the Spring of 2023. The feedback period will be open until February 17, 2023.

    Read more: Share your feedback on UBC’s Statements on Responsible Investing

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