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

  • Wherever you are, “Drop, Cover, & Hold On!”

    Join us in the annual province-wide earthquake drill, Great BC ShakeOut at 10:21 a.m. on October 21, 2021, and learn more about the risks in our community and what UBC is doing to plan ahead. If you are registered for…

    Read more: Wherever you are, “Drop, Cover, & Hold On!”
  • Preparing for the Big One: UBC research lab to shake, rattle and roll

    UBC’s Earthquake Engineering Research Facility (EERF) will shake, rattle and roll for the public this International ShakeOut Day. EERF will open its doors to the public from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 21, after the shakeout drill…

    Read more: Preparing for the Big One: UBC research lab to shake, rattle and roll
  • Share your feedback on the proposed business expense rules by Nov. 1

    The UBC Board of Governors recently approved an updated Business Expenses Policy and Procedures, which are expected to become effective in early 2022. All members of the UBC community are invited to review the new business expense rules proposed to…

    Read more: Share your feedback on the proposed business expense rules by Nov. 1
  • Safety Awareness Week: Outdoor Event on Safety & Security

    Meet our Campus Security team and community partners (RCMP, Transit Police, SVPRO, ICBC, Crimestoppers, and VFRS), and learn more about their role on campus vs. community partners, as well as tips on maintaining safety and security on campus. Find them at the…

    Read more: Safety Awareness Week: Outdoor Event on Safety & Security
  • Highlighting the hidden: Integrating operational infrastructure into the community

    Recently, infrastructure design has shifted, with more focus on integration of these operational facilities into the urban fabric of our communities. This article by Stantec features UBC’s new Water Pump Station — built to serve the water needs of the…

    Read more: Highlighting the hidden: Integrating operational infrastructure into the community

People of the VPFO

  • 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
  • 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…

    Read more: Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations
  • 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…

    Read more: Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office