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

  • Changes to UBC Service Levy

    The UBC services levy is used to run the community centres, athletic and cultural facilities, and to maintain public spaces and infrastructure within UBC neighbourhoods. The Services Levy Notices issued in 2022 will be due on August 8, 2022. Read…

    Read more: Changes to UBC Service Levy
  • Vancouver will continue to see warmer than average temperatures

    Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver for the rest of today June 27, 2022 with inland temperatures reaching 34 degrees. Given the current high temperatures, we wanted to provide some resources and information to help you…

    Read more: Vancouver will continue to see warmer than average temperatures
  • Driving safely on campus

    Driving safely on and around UBC campuses is essential. To help, we have put together some basic safety guidelines to ensure a safe campus, and remember, the pedestrian always has the right of way.

    Read more: Driving safely on campus
  • Pedestrian safety on campus

    Safety practices for walking are just as important as those for riding on a bus or in a car. Click through for some simple road safety guidelines to prevent pedestrian injuries.

    Read more: Pedestrian safety on campus
  • Equity & Inclusion Office working to make washrooms on campus more inclusive, accessible

    The project started in 2019 when the Provost’s office asked representatives from UBC Infrastructure Development and the EIO to meet with external consultants to conduct a campus-wide consultation on making washrooms safe and comfortable for everyone on campus.

    Read more: Equity & Inclusion Office working to make washrooms on campus more inclusive, accessible

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