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

  • Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver: Aug 17 & 18

    A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day. Daytime high temperatures of 29 to 35 degrees Celsius inland and near 27 degrees…

    Read more: Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver: Aug 17 & 18
  • UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan

    Information on UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan 2023-24 to 2027-28 has been updated. UBC maintains a comprehensive plan for the development and renewal of institutional infrastructure to meet evolving academic needs as well as the needs of our growing campus communities.

    Read more: UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan
  • Pauline Li stepping into a new role in UBC Okanagan’s Infrastructure Development as Building Records Manager

    In her new role, Pauline will be responsible for records management, facility planning, as well as management of document and drawing repositories to ensure accurate records of all are maintained and consistently represented across multiple systems and depositories.

    Read more: Pauline Li stepping into a new role in UBC Okanagan’s Infrastructure Development as Building Records Manager
  • Temporary relocation of the three flagpoles to Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

    Due to the construction of the Recreation Centre and the upgrades to Student Union Boulevard, the three flagpoles will be temporarily installed at the East Mall Entrance and Plaza at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre by August 15, 2022.  

    Read more: Temporary relocation of the three flagpoles to Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
  • VPFO teams coming together to support the UBC community under heat warning

    Last week a heat warning was issued for Metro Vancouver and the cooling systems in several buildings on the UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus simply could not handle these extreme conditions. Huge kudos to our VPFO teams’ teamwork and dedication…

    Read more: VPFO teams coming together to support the UBC community under heat warning

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