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: Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver

Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver
A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day. Cooling centres and temporary water features are open on the UBC Vancouver campus.
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Read more: Third Space—Solar Decathlon project

Third Space—Solar Decathlon project
UBC Facilities is working together with UBC’s award-winning Third Quadrant Design—a team of more than 60 students in engineering, architecture, business, and arts to help plan and manage a new student space on campus that redefines sustainable design. Learn more…
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Read more: Our New Treasury Offices: Piloting Design and Technology to Support Hybrid Work across the VPFO

Our New Treasury Offices: Piloting Design and Technology to Support Hybrid Work across the VPFO
After years of hard work and planning by the Treasury team and UBC Facilities’ Infrastructure Development team, Treasury’s existing office space in the Old Administration Building has been renovated to become the home base for the entire Treasury team.
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Read more: Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management hosted Rapid Damage Assessment Drill

Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management hosted Rapid Damage Assessment Drill
On June 16, 2022, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management held a drill for UBC staff who had completed BC Housing’s Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) and Coordination of Damage Assessment (CDA) training, in partnership with partners at BC Housing.
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Read more: UBC Facilities working with UBC student team to build a net zero carbon student space on campus

UBC Facilities working with UBC student team to build a net zero carbon student space on campus
UBC Facilities is working with the UBC student team to start construction of a new student space on campus that redefines sustainable design, and aims to build a net-zero student space on campus.
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.