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

  • UBC’s 5-Year Capital Plan approved by UBC Board of Governors

    UBC’s 5-Year Capital Plan was recently endorsed in the Board Committee meeting, in advance of submission to the province in July. A number of projects also received approval in the Board Committee meeting on June 29, 2022.

    Read more: UBC’s 5-Year Capital Plan approved by UBC Board of Governors
  • Bold new plans unveiled for UBCO Downtown

    Recently published photos and a video show how UBCO Downtown will weave excellence in research and teaching into the cultural, economic and social fabric of Kelowna’s downtown core.

    Read more: Bold new plans unveiled for UBCO Downtown
  • Announcing the search for a new Vice-President, Finance & Operations

    President Santa Ono has launched a search for a new Vice-President, Finance & Operations, and is seeking your views on the qualities you’d like to see in this appointment

    Read more: Announcing the search for a new Vice-President, Finance & Operations
  • Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective July 1, 2022

    The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 2% effective July 1, 2022. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will have an effect on future loans made under…

    Read more: Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective July 1, 2022
  • New contracts available for Executive Search and Recruitment

    The agreements for procurement of Executive Level Search and Recruitment Services with these approved providers will ensure simplified procurement process, access to a prequalified vendor pool of experienced and highly recognized executive search firms in BC, best value, and commitment…

    Read more: New contracts available for Executive Search and Recruitment

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