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

  • Connected Leadership: Online and across our campuses

    I genuinely believe in the power that people and relationships have to move organizations forward and that the best working relationships are founded upon meaningful personal connections. One way I hope we as individuals can improve our connections is by better…

    Read more: Connected Leadership: Online and across our campuses
  • Custodial Services launches new Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM)

    The IPM Plan employs an approach to pest control which addresses every factor in pest prevention and eradication, placing an emphasis on humane treatment involving recommendations to occupants on best practices to resolve the issue and using non-toxic and least-non…

    Read more: Custodial Services launches new Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM)
  • Metro Vancouver enters Stage 2 water restrictions

    As of August 4, Metro Vancouver enters Stage 2 water restrictions and lawn watering is prohibited. UBC continues to follow Metro Vancouver’s watering regulations.

    Read more: Metro Vancouver enters Stage 2 water restrictions
  • Implementing CWL integration to UBC’s Hazardous Waste Inventory Systems (HWIS)

    Starting from early to mid-August, users will be able to log into the HWIS using their UBC CWL credentials. This integration aims to streamline the login process and enhance system security and user accessibility.

    Read more: Implementing CWL integration to UBC’s Hazardous Waste Inventory Systems (HWIS)
  • Pedaling safety: UBC’s newest bike patrol officers

    Campus Security has been supporting our newest wave of bike patrol officers, who recently completed a bike patrol training course. This training allows them to continue to monitor and respond to our community’s needs promptly.

    Read more: Pedaling safety: UBC’s newest bike patrol officers

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