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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Read more: New 24/7 Operations Centre structure
New 24/7 Operations Centre structure
Starting Wednesday, September 1, 2021, a new 24/7 Operations Centre structure will take effect. The Operations Centre is the 24/7 hub located within the University Services Building (USB) that will have oversight of the building Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning…
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Read more: Going the extra mile – the custodial teams helping UBC transition back to campus
Going the extra mile – the custodial teams helping UBC transition back to campus
When COVID-19 impacted the university last year, it meant that many of UBC’s faculty and staff had to transition to remote work. For the Custodial Services team, their role required them to stay on campus. These same staff are now…
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Read more: Drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations are reopening
Drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations are reopening
Starting mid-August 2021, the Facilities team will begin to proceed with un-bagging and flushing all the drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations across the UBC Vancouver campus. Flushing the water will remove any stagnant water from the building’s pipe network…
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Read more: Heat Stress Awareness course available
Heat Stress Awareness course available
The Heat Stress Awareness course is recommended for all workers that are at risk of heat exposure, and for their supervisors to complete. The course was developed to increase your awareness of the risk factors and associated heat disorders related to…
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Read more: VCH vaccination site at Pharmaceutical Sciences Building is closing on July 30
VCH vaccination site at Pharmaceutical Sciences Building is closing on July 30
On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the provincial government announced the Vax for BC campaign, announcing that “the Province will gradually refocus its vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hardest to reach people. In the weeks ahead, B.C.’s…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
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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Read more: Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
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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Read more: Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
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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Read more: Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
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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Read more: Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate
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…