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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Safety on the Go. Download the UBC Safe Vancouver App
The new safety app for UBC Vancouver is now available! The UBC Safe Vancouver App puts direct access to campus safety resources and security tools in your hand, while on the go.
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Global Disbursement Service: Updated Form Available
The Global Disbursement Service (GDS) is UBC’s method for making international payments (outside of North America). Departments paying foreign suppliers will need to ask their suppliers to complete the Global Disbursement form. The form has been recently revised, you can…
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UBC Library and UBC Campus Security launch Theft Prevention Pilot campaign
To support the safety and security of students, the library has partnered with UBC Campus Security to launch a Theft Prevention Pilot campaign that will run throughout the fall term. The goal of the campaign is to ensure students have…
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New September Employee Payment Date
With the introduction of the new National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Statutory Holiday on September 30, 2021, the payment date for employees has been moved to September 29, 2021. If possible, please have business processes and timesheets approved a…
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Replacing an 800+Lbs Supply Fan Motor in Pulp and Paper Centre
Last weekend, the millwrights replaced a failed 60 horsepower 800+lbs supply fan motor so the electrical crew could reattach the electrical connections. The area(s) within the Pulp and Paper Centre were impacted and forced to stop their work until this…
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…