Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
We are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety, risk management, and assurance across our university community.
The portfolio 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
-
Read more: Using UBC’s purchasing power for good
Using UBC’s purchasing power for good
UBC’s inclusive procurement resources are designed to help faculty and staff make purchasing decisions that reflect our institutional values while meeting academic, operational, and budget needs. Read more on the Finance Portal [CWL required].
-
Read more: 2026 Styrofoam Pick-up Calendar now available
2026 Styrofoam Pick-up Calendar now available
The 2026 Styrofoam Pick-up Calendar is now available. Municipal Services provides Styrofoam collection on every other Wednesday at select locations on campus where generation of Styrofoam waste is significant.
-
Read more: Guided by UBC’s Strategic Directions 2025-30, this process aligns resources with institutional priorities and reinforces UBC’s academic mission.
Guided by UBC’s Strategic Directions 2025-30, this process aligns resources with institutional priorities and reinforces UBC’s academic mission.
UBC continues to take a thoughtful, long-term approach to budgeting, focusing on prudently managing resources for maximum impact. In the fall, the university began its annual, institution-wide budget planning for 2026-27, engaging leaders across faculties and administrative units on both…
-
Read more: 🎉 VPFO 2025 Wrapped
🎉 VPFO 2025 Wrapped
A year of impact, growth, and behind-the-scenes wins. As we wrap up 2025, VPFO teams reflect on a year defined by service, collaboration, and progress. From financial systems and workforce planning to risk management and campus safety, here’s how our…
-
Read more: A look back on communications in 2025
A look back on communications in 2025
From launching new websites to sharing stories about our people, our work and even a raccoon rescue, the Communications & Engagement team kept the VPFO informed, engaged, and entertained in 2025.
People of the VPFO
-
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…
-
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…
-
Read more: Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations
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: Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office
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: Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner
Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner
Co-created with the UBC Centre for Accessibility, this newly created role will help UBC develop accessibility design guidelines for new and existing campus buildings. Nicholas is a registered architect with over 10 years of experience in the design of new…