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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Paving Works on Southwest Marine and 16th Avenue from May 10–13
Please note that paving works will be conducted on SW Marine and 16th Avenue from May 10–13. A reminder to obey signs and traffic control personnel and watch for roadside workers.
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Facilities teams maintaining an ideal exam experience for UBC students
Last semester, the Custodial Services team and Municipal Services’ Streets & Operations Support (SOS) team within Facilities once again demonstrated excellent teamwork and dedication in setting up the Osborne Gym and Student Recreation Centre for exam season.
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University Boulevard closure extended to May 15
The closure of the University Boulevard (UBlvd) bus loop has been extended from May 1, 2022, to May 15, 2022 (exact date to be determined). The bus loop is closed due to three projects under construction simultaneously — School of…
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Updated Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Request Form for Canadian Suppliers
When we are paying suppliers on a regular basis, EFT is the preferred mode of payment for both the supplier and the university. The updated Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) request form for Canadian suppliers is now available.
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Metro Vancouver’s Watering Restrictions come into effect on May 1, 2022
Stage one of Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations will be in effect from May 1, 2022 to October 15, 2022, as outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. This year, both residential and non-residential watering is only allowed once a…
People of the VPFO
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Pera Hardy joins the Facilities Planning team in Infrastructure Development as Senior Facilities Planner
Pera is a registered architect (AIBC) and LEED Green Associate, Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Her programming, planning, design and construction experience in K-12 schools and post-secondary projects will be very beneficial to facilities planning work on campus.
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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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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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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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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…