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
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Read more: UBC’s report on fighting against forced labour and child labour in Supply Chains now available
UBC’s report on fighting against forced labour and child labour in Supply Chains now available
This report outlines the initiatives that were undertaken during the previous fiscal year, to help identify and assess risks associated with forced labour and child labour within our own supply chains, as well as forthcoming actions. Read the full report…
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Read more: Buchanan Block C Elevator Modernization begins June 23
Buchanan Block C Elevator Modernization begins June 23
The project is estimated to be complete by the end of August 2025. There will be no access to this elevator for the duration of construction. Please use the stairs on the north or south end of Buchanan Block C…
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Read more: The HSBC to RBC transition project has now officially concluded
The HSBC to RBC transition project has now officially concluded
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important transition — especially our partners and business users — for your collaboration, patience, and adaptability throughout the process. With these changes now in place, all UBC HSBC Canada bank accounts have…
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Read more: Manage risk and overcome challenges with support from Enterprise Risk & Assurance
Manage risk and overcome challenges with support from Enterprise Risk & Assurance
May is International Internal Audit Awareness Month! At UBC, the ERA team provides independent, risk-based and objective audit and advisory services. Whether you’re launching a new project, looking to improve a critical process, or implementing a change, ERA can help…
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Read more: Moody’s affirms UBC’s Aa1 rating and S&P lowers its rating to A+ due to provincial credit link
Moody’s affirms UBC’s Aa1 rating and S&P lowers its rating to A+ due to provincial credit link
UBC maintains credit ratings with two different rating agencies, Moody’s Investors Service (commonly referred to as “Moody’s”) and S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”). Each year Moody’s and S&P meet separately with UBC to assess the factors influencing the university’s credit rating.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Anna Panzo joins as Assistant Manager, Capital Planning & Development
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…
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Read more: Alison Mitchell joins as Financial Analyst, Financial Reporting team
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…
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Read more: David Sandoe joins as Senior HR Manager, VPFO
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…
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Read more: Angela Ruggles joins as Executive Assistant to the VPFO
Angela Ruggles joins as Executive Assistant to the VPFO
Angela Ruggles will be joining the VPFO portfolio as Executive Assistant to the VP Finance & Operations on Tuesday, May 5. Angela will provide direct support to Frank Laezza, Vice-President, Finance & Operations.
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Read more: Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed steps into new roles
Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed steps into new roles
We are beyond pleased to share that Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed will be stepping into a new roles effective April 20.