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
-
New Payroll FAQ Available for Faculty and Staff
Payroll Operations recently created a FAQ to answer the community’s most common questions, ranging from when you get paid and how to understand your pay statement, to why your net pay might be lower at the beginning of the year.
-
MOA: Great Hall Renewal project is proceeding
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA): Great Hall Renewal project is proceeding, and the dismantling of the outer walls of MOA’s Great Hall is starting this week. This work will continue into the Spring 2022, with construction of the new structure…
-
Facilities Annual Injury Statistical Review 2021
UBC Facilities aims to provide a safe, healthy, and secure environment to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all of us as we work to support the university. In order to gain some insight into our health and safety…
-
UBC Gateway project received the 2021 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence
The design intends to express commonalities between Musqueam values, culture, and learning and the UBC Gateway environmental and wellness goals. The UBC Gateway project is nearing the end of the design process and should start construction in spring, targeting Board…
-
Staff: Submit your Professional Development Fund claims by March 4
A reminder to staff and research associates to use available professional development (PD) funding and submit your claims in Workday by Friday, March 4, 2022. Claim submissions will commence again on April 1, 2022, at the start of the new…
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…