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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UBC’s Digital Payment Program to replace ePayment
UBC’s ePayment system, which allows participating UBC departments/merchants to process financial transactions online, is due to be retired alongside the Student Information System (SIS). This transition will impact a broad base of campus merchants who currently use ePayment to collect…
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Thunderbird Boulevard multi-phase road closures: November 29, 2021 to August 2022
As part of the UBC Renewable Energy Hub project, the Hydrogen Refueling Station will begin construction on Thunderbird Boulevard this week. During this project, there will be multi-phase road closures along Thunderbird Boulevard in effect between November 20, 2021 to…
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Heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) line near the Bioenergy Facility back in commission
Last week, Energy & Water Services (EWS) steamfitters completed another repair on the District Energy System (DES) network off the Bioenergy Research Facilities (Bioenergy Facility). This repair was needed as this particular heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) line has been…
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Supply chain impacted due to the state of emergency in BC
UBC is working with key internal and external parties to ensure that critical supplies continue to be available to support the campus community. We appreciate your patience as we work through this period of disruption.
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Avoid slips, trips, and falls this winter with some simple tips
Winter is almost here, and with it comes cold weather and a greater risk of slips, trips or falls. Practice safe winter walking to help you stay on your feet this winter, available on the Safety & Risk Services website.
People of the VPFO
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…