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

  • Announcing the search for a new Vice-President, Finance & Operations

    President Santa Ono has launched a search for a new Vice-President, Finance & Operations, and is seeking your views on the qualities you’d like to see in this appointment

    Read more: Announcing the search for a new Vice-President, Finance & Operations
  • Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective July 1, 2022

    The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 2% effective July 1, 2022. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will have an effect on future loans made under…

    Read more: Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective July 1, 2022
  • New contracts available for Executive Search and Recruitment

    The agreements for procurement of Executive Level Search and Recruitment Services with these approved providers will ensure simplified procurement process, access to a prequalified vendor pool of experienced and highly recognized executive search firms in BC, best value, and commitment…

    Read more: New contracts available for Executive Search and Recruitment
  • Changes to UBC Service Levy

    The UBC services levy is used to run the community centres, athletic and cultural facilities, and to maintain public spaces and infrastructure within UBC neighbourhoods. The Services Levy Notices issued in 2022 will be due on August 8, 2022. Read…

    Read more: Changes to UBC Service Levy
  • Vancouver will continue to see warmer than average temperatures

    Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver for the rest of today June 27, 2022 with inland temperatures reaching 34 degrees. Given the current high temperatures, we wanted to provide some resources and information to help you…

    Read more: Vancouver will continue to see warmer than average temperatures

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