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

  • MOA Great Hall Renewal project featured in Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia’s Innovation magazine

    The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) Great Hall Renewal project was featured in the annual project highlights issue of Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC)’s Innovation magazine, a showcase of innovative and sustainable projects.

    Read more: MOA Great Hall Renewal project featured in Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia’s Innovation magazine
  • Attend The Centre Health Fair: Heart Health this June

    Brought to you by The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing in partnership with the UBC Pharmacists Clinic, The Centre Health Fair: Heart Health will provide you with information, awareness, self-assessment, and personalized consultation on your heart health.  

    Read more: Attend The Centre Health Fair: Heart Health this June
  • Thank you for joining the “We are the VPFO” team event

    On May 31, team members from across the VPFO gathered for an in-person event to hear from our new Vice-President Frank Laezza and to connect with each other across the portfolio’s departments, groups, and services. Click through for an event…

    Read more: Thank you for joining the “We are the VPFO” team event
  • Getting ready for UniForum: Support resources for participants available

    UBC is getting ready to participate for the fifth time in the UniForum benchmarking program. If you’ve been contacted to act as a Primary Contact or Respondent, thank you for your support of this important initiative! If you are a…

    Read more: Getting ready for UniForum: Support resources for participants available
  • New art connects The Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory

    UBC Facilities’ Infrastructure Development recently completed the project to install the large-scale bronze artwork co-created by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) master carver Kayám̓ Richard Campbell and Haida master carver and hereditary chief James Hart, 7idansuu (Edenshaw). The new artwork now anchors Hart’s…

    Read more: New art connects The Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory

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