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

  • Improving our workplace together

    UBC is committed to advancing Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (EDI) through our Inclusion Action Plan, and by working together, moving our ideas into actions. Our next step is that each of you take the time to complete the mandatory EDI…

    Read more: Improving our workplace together
  • Classroom conversion in H.R. MacMillan, Room 360

    The existing drop in lounge and study space in H.R. MacMillan, Room 360 is currently undergoing a full conversion to a 170+ student classroom and lecture space.

    Read more: Classroom conversion in H.R. MacMillan, Room 360
  • Video Resource to Navigate Accrual Reports in Workday

    A video tutorial has been created to help the community navigate the two new accrual reports in the period close dashboard on Workday: Accrual Report for Supplier Invoices – Distributed, Accrual Report for Expense Reports – Distributed.

    Read more: Video Resource to Navigate Accrual Reports in Workday
  • PeopleSoft to be decommissioned by end of October

    As the PeopleSoft HRMS and FMS platforms are decommissioned, the web interface and backend will be turned off and the portal will no longer be accessible. Visit cio.ubc.ca/peoplesoft for more information and updates as the decommissioning progresses. 

    Read more: PeopleSoft to be decommissioned by end of October
  • Attend the annual Security Awareness Week by UBC Campus Security

    UBC Campus Security will be hosting their annual Security Awareness Week from October 24–28, 2022, to actively engage and educate students, faculty and staff on theft prevention and provide helpful safety and security tips.

    Read more: Attend the annual Security Awareness Week by UBC Campus Security

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