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

  • VPFO Update – April 28

    The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on April 28, 2025.

    Read more: VPFO Update – April 28
  • Support available following Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy

    On April 26, a senseless attack at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver left many in our city and across the country heartbroken. As part of UBC’s broader community response, the university is offering additional mental health and counselling supports.…

    Read more: Support available following Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy
  • Access card only for 5th floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3)

    Effective May 1, the fifth floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3) will be restricted to card access only. Elevators to the fifth floor will be locked and restricted from public access. Learn more.

    Read more: Access card only for 5th floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3)
  • Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4–10, 2025

    Join us during Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) to increase our community’s resilience by learning about emergency preparedness. Start by getting informed on the risks in your community, make a plan, and then build a kit.

    Read more: Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4–10, 2025
  • Staples orders placed through Workday and Eway.ca

    Staples Professional Inc. and Staples Canada ULC recently completed a legal amalgamation on March 9, 2025. UBC will be moving to a new supplier configuration on Workday under the name Staples Canada ULC from April 30 at 4:01 pm to…

    Read more: Staples orders placed through Workday and Eway.ca

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