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: Run, Hide, Fight: Protect yourself during an active threat

Run, Hide, Fight: Protect yourself during an active threat
Understanding what to do in the high-pressure reality of an active threat is important. If faced with an active threat, whether at UBC or elsewhere, be prepared to respond: Run, Hide, Fight.
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Read more: See something? Do something.

See something? Do something.
As part of International Fraud Awareness Week, from November 16 to 22, UBC is raising awareness about the importance of financial fraud prevention.
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Read more: 2025 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) now available

2025 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) now available
The Annual Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) for year ended March 31, 2025, is now available on the UBC Finance website.
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Read more: UBC Accessible Building Guidelines: Building an inclusive campus

UBC Accessible Building Guidelines: Building an inclusive campus
UBC is in the process of creating the UBC Accessible Building Guidelines (ABGs). The guidelines are intended to position UBC as a leading institution and be a go-to source for best-practice accessibility features.
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Read more: Routine Capital Program: Managing deferred maintenance and infrastructure renewal

Routine Capital Program: Managing deferred maintenance and infrastructure renewal
UBC Facilities’ Capital Planning & Development oversees UBC’s Routine Capital Program. The program focuses on projects that address deferred maintenance needs in existing Core Academic Facilities and related supporting infrastructure.
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…