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.

Learn about the VPFO Strategic Plan

News from the VPFO

  • Changes to Print Services at UBC

    Xerox is currently UBC’s preferred supplier of printing services, but the university’s master service agreement with this vendor is due to expire in March 2020. The Strategic Sourcing team in Financial Operations is exploring the best options for print solutions…

    Read more: Changes to Print Services at UBC

  • Saving Energy During UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown

    This past December, departments, building operators and energy managers across UBC joined together to reduce the university’s environmental footprint over the winter holiday by participating in the Seasonal Shutdown.

    Read more: Saving Energy During UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown

  • UBC ready for snow

    It’s five o’clock in the morning, snow has been falling for a few hours in Vancouver and slowly accumulating on the roads across the city. Building Operations crews are already brining, salting and plowing roads and pathways on the Vancouver…

    Read more: UBC ready for snow

  • Update: Next Steps Following Climate Emergency Declaration and Commitment to Divestment

    The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time and UBC wants to ensure that our community and the public is informed of the actions that the university is taking as a leader in sustainability and…

    Read more: Update: Next Steps Following Climate Emergency Declaration and Commitment to Divestment

  • Switch to an online T4 statement for your chance to win an iPad

    UBC Payroll is giving away an iPad to one lucky faculty or staff member who makes the transition between now and the end of January to receive their T4 tax slip electronically, instead of in print.

    Read more: Switch to an online T4 statement for your chance to win an iPad

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