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

  • Continuing to measure your Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt project

    Now that you have submitted your Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt report for your certification, you are encouraged to monitor the results that you have set in your goals on a quarterly basis. Operational Excellence has created a SharePoint site…

    Read more: Continuing to measure your Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt project
  • 2022/2023 Year End Timelines and Procedures now available

    The 2022/23 Year End timelines and procedures are now available. Join us in the call-in session on March 7 to review the fiscal year-end timelines and procedures. This year’s campus cut-off for year-end processing is Wednesday, April 5.

    Read more: 2022/2023 Year End Timelines and Procedures now available
  • UBC Annual Screening Mammography Clinic on March 22, 2023

    The Screening Mammography Program (SMP) Mobile Services will once again be visiting the UBC Point Grey Campus. BC women ages 40 and up with a primary care provider can book a screening mammogram directly through the program without a doctor’s…

    Read more: UBC Annual Screening Mammography Clinic on March 22, 2023
  • Seminar: Everything you need to know about occupational sensitization

    Whether you work in a lab, animal facility, workshop, museum — or even an office, you may come into contact with sensitizers at your workplace. UBC Safety & Risk Services has invited industry and academia experts to educate the community…

    Read more: Seminar: Everything you need to know about occupational sensitization
  • Share your feedback on UBC’s Statements on Responsible Investing

    The UBC community is invited to comment on the Statements on Responsible Investing in preparation for the submission to the UBC Board of Governors in the Spring of 2023. The feedback period will be open until February 17, 2023.

    Read more: Share your feedback on UBC’s Statements on Responsible Investing

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