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

  • Helga Pereira joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Desk Manager

    Helga joins the Integrated Service Centre (ISC) Service Desk team and will work alongside co-managers, Divya Shetty and Jimmy Gau, as well as Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi.

    Read more: Helga Pereira joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Desk Manager
  • UBC Facilities roadmap: Strengthening service for a growing campus

    Guided by UBC’s Strategic Plan and the VPFO Strategic Plan—specifically the focus on Collaboration, Customer Service & Engagement, the UBC Facilities Roadmap drives meaningful improvements in how we connect with customers, streamline operations, and elevate the service experience for the…

    Read more: UBC Facilities roadmap: Strengthening service for a growing campus
  • Morteza Asadi appointed as Custodial Manager – Evenings

    Custodial Services is excited to welcome Morteza Asadi as Custodial Manager – Evenings to complete the leadership structure on this rotation, effective April 14.

    Read more: Morteza Asadi appointed as Custodial Manager – Evenings
  • Enhancing seismic resilience at UBC

    Since 2012, UBC has invested more than $200 million in seismic upgrades to buildings and infrastructure. Read more on the UBC News website.

    Read more: Enhancing seismic resilience at UBC
  • VPFO Update – March 31

    The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on March 31, 2025.

    Read more: VPFO Update – March 31

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…

    Read more: Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
  • 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…

    Read more: Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
  • 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