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 first report on fighting against forced labor and child labor in Supply Chains now available
UBC’s first report on fighting against forced labor and child labor in Supply Chains now available
UBC is proud to release its inaugural report under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Read the full report to support our commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. This report will be updated…
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Read more: Understanding how operations and maintenance are funded at UBC
Understanding how operations and maintenance are funded at UBC
Over the past decade, UBC has grown considerably and now is similar to a city or town, in addition to being a university campus. With a dynamic and growing population, UBC Facilities recognizes the need to provide transparency on how…
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Read more: Collaborating across UBC to prepare campus for climate-change emergencies
Collaborating across UBC to prepare campus for climate-change emergencies
We have seen the harmful effects of extreme heat, extreme rainfall, and wildfire events in BC over the past few years. To help UBC prepare for climate change-related emergencies, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management alongside faculty partners created the…
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Read more: The Museum of Anthropology reopens to the public
The Museum of Anthropology reopens to the public
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) upgrades are complete and the museum reopened to the public last week. The reopening weekend coincided with the museum’s 75th anniversary and events and performances were held to celebrate. Many VPFO staff attended the reopening,…
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Read more: Sharing power between your car and campus: UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED)
Sharing power between your car and campus: UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED)
In partnership with industry and government, UBC MéridaLabs created the SHED, a living laboratory that emulates links between energy, transportation, and urban design. UBC Facilities’ managed the project’s construction, bringing this complex, innovative project into reality.
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.