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 Vice-President Finance & Operations (VPFO) portfolio provides strategic stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, and leads safety, risk management, and assurance across the university. Guided by the values of innovation, unity, and accountability in the VPFO Strategic Plan and in alignment with the UBC Strategic Plan, the portfolio oversees a budget of over $4 billion, and all facilities across UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The portfolio also manages key relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust and is responsible for strategic development and management of UBC’s real estate assets to support the long-term benefit of the university community. 

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

  • 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.

    Read more: Routine Capital Program: Managing deferred maintenance and infrastructure renewal
  • Strengthening communications resilience with the PACE framework

    Maintaining reliable communication during a crisis can be the difference between confusion and a well-coordinated response. Use the PACE framework to create an emergency communications plan with multiple layers of backup systems.

    Read more: Strengthening communications resilience with the PACE framework
  • Stay visible and safe during the fall and winter

    As the vibrant colors of fall settle in, so do shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather conditions. Be sure to prioritize safety both on and off the road during these darker months.

    Read more: Stay visible and safe during the fall and winter
  • Updated Construction Financing & Internal Loan Guidelines

    The Construction Financing & Internal Loan Guidelines has recently been updated. Learn more in the UBC Finance Portal.

    Read more: Updated Construction Financing & Internal Loan Guidelines
  • Protect yourself and others from the flu

    Influenza (flu) season generally occurs in the fall to spring. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Getting the flu shot is your best protection. UBC has two upcoming flu shot clinics.

    Read more: Protect yourself and others from the flu

People of the VPFO

  • Katherine Du joins as HR Coordinator, VPFO

    We are pleased to welcome Katherine Du to the VPFO as an HR Coordinator, effective August 24, 2026. Katherine brings a strong background in human resources administration from her role as an HR Assistant with UBC’s School of Population and…

    Read more: Katherine Du joins as HR Coordinator, VPFO
  • Chris Baber joins as Director, Energy & Water Services

    We are pleased to announce that Chris Baber, P.Eng. will be joining the UBC Facilities team as the new Director, Energy & Water Services (EWS) starting on August 10. Chris is taking over the EWS leadership role from Siu Tse who will be…

    Read more: Chris Baber joins as Director, Energy & Water Services
  • Anna Panzo joins as Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development

    We are pleased to welcome Anna Panzo as the new Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development in Facilities, effective August 3, 2026. Anna brings a thoughtful, systems‑oriented approach to her work, with experience building operational infrastructure, managing complex workflows, and…

    Read more: Anna Panzo joins as Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development
  • Alison Mitchell joins as Financial Analyst, Financial Reporting team

    We are pleased to welcome Alison Mitchell to the Financial Reporting team as a Financial Analyst, starting July 20. Alison brings several years of experience in financial statement analysis, internal controls, and audit, including over four years with MNP, where…

    Read more: Alison Mitchell joins as Financial Analyst, Financial Reporting team
  • David Sandoe joins as Senior HR Manager, VPFO

    We are pleased to welcome David Sandoe as the new Senior HR Manager, VPFO, effective July 27, 2026. David brings nearly nine years of human resources leadership experience from the VP Students portfolio, where he developed strong, trusted relationships with…

    Read more: David Sandoe joins as Senior HR Manager, VPFO