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
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Read more: This holiday season visit MOA before temporary 2023 closure

This holiday season visit MOA before temporary 2023 closure
The upcoming winter holidays present a final opportunity for visitors to explore the Museum of Anthropology at UBC before it closes for much of 2023. This temporary closure is to complete the seismic upgrades of the Great Hall and accomplish…
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Read more: Updated UBC Technical Guidelines

Updated UBC Technical Guidelines
The Technical Guidelines help to ensure that buildings and renovations are designed and constructed to optimize service life and minimize the whole life-cycle cost for the University.
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Read more: Delay in ordering UBC Visa cards

Delay in ordering UBC Visa cards
Due to office closure over the holiday season, UBC’s Credit Card team will hold off on ordering new UBC Visa cards starting from Thursday, December 15, 2022, until Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
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Read more: Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
Sam has been a driving force in finding opportunities to build a stronger foundation for our Campus Security teams. His extensive experience in leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security, and Risk Management roles in the public sector will make…
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Read more: Making accountability personal

Making accountability personal
Thomas Straley — with 20 years of experience in Accounts Payable — is one of the lucky people who find their dream job early and build an endlessly rewarding career.
People of the VPFO
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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.