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

  • Fiona Jones joins UBC Facilities as Accessible Buildings Planner, Capital Planning & Development

    We are excited to announce that Fiona Jones will be joining the Capital Planning + Development team within UBC Facilities as the Accessible Buildings Planner on September 9, for a two-year term. Fiona brings extensive expertise in architecture and inclusive…

    Read more: Fiona Jones joins UBC Facilities as Accessible Buildings Planner, Capital Planning & Development
  • Learn how to navigate UBC’s Indigenous Business Directory

    A new video guide on how to use the Indigenous Business Directory is now available to help you locate and identify Indigenous businesses for your procurement needs. Supporting Indigenous businesses for procurement is encouraged to further advance Indigenous engagement and…

    Read more: Learn how to navigate UBC’s Indigenous Business Directory
  • Do you know what do in an emergency?

    Stop by the Emergency Management booth on Imagine UBC on September 3 to learn more about emergency preparedness and the resources available to plan for emergency situations. Visit the Quake Cottage on September 4 to experience an earthquake simulator.

    Read more: Do you know what do in an emergency?
  • Manpreet Suhi joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance in PrISM

    We are pleased to welcome Manpreet Suhi as the new Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance joining Privacy and Information Security Management (PrISM) within Safety & Risk Services (SRS).

    Read more: Manpreet Suhi joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance in PrISM
  • A big thank you from the VPFO EDI committee

    The VPFO EDI committee wishes to extend a huge heartfelt thank you to all current and outgoing members for their invaluable contributions to the various initiatives and achievements accomplished throughout the past several years. For those interested in joining the…

    Read more: A big thank you from the VPFO EDI committee

People of the VPFO

  • 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
  • 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.

    Read more: Angela Ruggles joins as Executive Assistant to the VPFO
  • 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.

    Read more: Cassandra Torres and Mariyam Syed steps into new roles