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
-
Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: John Metras
Get to know the senior leadership team: John Metras
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know John Metras, Associate Vice-President, Facilities and his leadership vision: “I am an inclusive, action-oriented leader. I engage and empower my team and collaborate with stakeholders to build and maintain a…
-
Read more: T2200S Update – Temporary Flat Rate method of claiming home office expenses discontinued for the 2023 tax year
T2200S Update – Temporary Flat Rate method of claiming home office expenses discontinued for the 2023 tax year
The “Temporary Flat Rate Method” of claiming home expenses on the T2200S form ended December 31, 2022, and is no longer available for the 2023 tax year. If you require a T2200 detailed form, please ask your faculty/department to complete…
-
Read more: Jack Bell Building Renewal

Jack Bell Building Renewal
Construction will begin this month on the Jack Bell Building Renewal. This project will mitigate deferred maintenance and seismically upgrade the building, while also reconfiguring its existing spaces to support state-of-the-art learning environments for the School of Social Work in…
-
Read more: Derek Ho joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Privacy & Information Security Risk
Derek Ho joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Privacy & Information Security Risk
Derek Ho joins Safety & Risk Services’ Privacy & Information Security Management (PrISM) team as Lead Advisor in Privacy & Information Security Risk. The SRS PrISM team delivers privacy and security risk assessments, campus-wide training and risk advisory services to…
-
Read more: Our 7th Annual Pink Shirt Day Celebration

Our 7th Annual Pink Shirt Day Celebration
Join the VPFO portfolio on campus for this year’s Pink Shirt Day events throughout Wednesday, February 28, and into the weekend on Saturday, March 2. Let’s come together and wear pink to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and tolerance in the most…
People of the VPFO
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.