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

  • Step up your safety game with UBC Alert

    Download the UBC Safe Vancouver App and turn on push notifications to receive alerts for safety and security risk to the community. Check to make sure your contact information is up to date in Workday/SSC to ensure you receive UBC…

    Read more: Step up your safety game with UBC Alert
  • 2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners

    The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. Congratulations to our 2023 Staff Excellence Award recipients!

    Read more: 2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
  • The VPFO’s portfolio finance team is evolving to help us perform and grow

    When we talk about finance at UBC, we often think about the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) leading the university’s $3.65 billion consolidated budget process. However, what we sometimes overlook is our own portfolio’s finance team who are responsible for…

    Read more: The VPFO’s portfolio finance team is evolving to help us perform and grow
  • Thanks to each of you for your inspired efforts

    As many of us are beginning our transition into the holidays, I’d like to say a humble thank you to each of you for your inspired efforts to see us through the push to the end of the calendar year.…

    Read more: Thanks to each of you for your inspired efforts
  • The VP Finance & Operations is expanding with the addition of UBC’s Enterprise Risk & Assurance

    Effective January 15, 2024, the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) will be welcoming UBC’s Enterprise Risk & Assurance (ERA) team to the portfolio. This strategic transition is part of our ongoing efforts to optimize the university’s organizational structure, enhance operational…

    Read more: The VP Finance & Operations is expanding with the addition of UBC’s Enterprise Risk & Assurance

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