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: Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke
Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke
Lower Mainland continues to see poor air quality values as a result of the thick wildfire smoke in BC. Find resources about air quality health and safety awareness and the best ways to protect yourself.
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Read more: Generator load bank testing schedule
Generator load bank testing schedule
The regulatory Annual Load Bank Emergency Generator tests will take place in buildings across campus starting on September 12, 2022, until November 1, 2022.
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Read more: Thank you from Vice-President, Finance, Karamjeet Heer
Thank you from Vice-President, Finance, Karamjeet Heer
A short while ago, the President’s Office sent a Bulletin to the university announcing some changes in the VPFO’s senior leadership team. I have accepted a new position with Simon Fraser University (SFU) as their Associate Vice-President, Finance and my…
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Read more: Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations, portfolio
Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations, portfolio
Karamjeet Heer will be leaving UBC to take up a new role at Simon Fraser University. She joined the university in 2019 as Comptroller and was more recently appointed as interim Vice-President, Finance. As of Nov. 1, Yale Loh will…
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Read more: Work continues on the UBC Hydrogen Fueling Station
Work continues on the UBC Hydrogen Fueling Station
On August 18, UBC Facilities began the assembly of the Hydrogen Fueling Station’s canopy, which will provide weather protection for the hydrogen dispenser users during fueling and visitors who are interested in learning more about the project at the plaza.…
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…