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

  • Facilities Service Centre extends operating hours as of November 1

    With two recent additions to the Customer Services and Informatics team, the Service Centre will be extending its hours to 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, as of November 1, 2022. 

    Read more: Facilities Service Centre extends operating hours as of November 1
  • Thunderbird Boulevard closure for the Transportation Test Bed Project

    The eastbound and westbound lanes between the Thunderbird Parkade access and Health Sciences Mall/East Mall will be closed until November 3 noon. The westbound lane of Thunderbird Boulevard will remain closed until December.

    Read more: Thunderbird Boulevard closure for the Transportation Test Bed Project
  • Working and planning together to ensure long-term reliability of electrical power supply

    UBC Facilities and Safety & Risk Service recognizes the value of your work and the impact a disruption in electrical power supply can have on your research. By working and planning together, we can greatly reduce risk to infrastructure, equipment,…

    Read more: Working and planning together to ensure long-term reliability of electrical power supply
  • UBC Investment Management releases 2022 Annual Report

    The Board of Directors and Management of UBC Investment Management is pleased to release the company’s 2021-22 Annual Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022. Read the report on the UBC Investment Management website.

    Read more: UBC Investment Management releases 2022 Annual Report
  • UBC IMANT introduces new name, logo and website

    UBC IMANT is introducing a new operating name, as well as a new visual identity and updated website. While their legal name remains unchanged (“UBC Investment Management Trust Inc.”), going forward they will be doing business as UBC Investment Management.

    Read more: UBC IMANT introduces new name, logo and website

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