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

  • Register for the upcoming webinar on Chemical Inventory Management 

    Join us in a webinar on September 21 at 2:00 pm to learn about inventory management requirements and best practices from UBC Safety & Risk Service’s Chemical Safety Advisor, Dr. Peggy Paduraru. Click through for more information, including Zoom details.

    Read more: Register for the upcoming webinar on Chemical Inventory Management 
  • Workday Adaptive Planning Replacing Hyperion in Summer 2023

    The Adaptive Planning implementation will reduce reliance on manual systems and streamline budgeting and forecasting, while also capturing more detailed finance information and in-depth reporting. For more information and project updates, visit the UBC Adaptive Planning website.

    Read more: Workday Adaptive Planning Replacing Hyperion in Summer 2023
  • Upcoming training workshops for UBC VISA Cardholders

    UBC Financial Operations is pleased to introduce its new online, monthly workshop to help UBC Visa cardholders and delegates better understand the university’s Visa program policies and their responsibilities as a cardholder.

    Read more: Upcoming training workshops for UBC VISA Cardholders
  • Ready Week 2022: Increasing emergency preparedness for the new school year

    As the university welcomed students back on campus for the fall term last week, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management team set up a booth and Quake Cottage, an earthquake simulator to help elevate our campus community’s resilience, emergency awareness…

    Read more: Ready Week 2022: Increasing emergency preparedness for the new school year
  • Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke

    Lower Mainland continues to see poor air quality values as a result of the thick wildfire smoke in BC. Find resources about air quality health and safety awareness and the best ways to protect yourself.

    Read more: Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke

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