Simone Sangster brings extensive financial experience to new role at UFV

Dr. Simone Sangster has joined the University of the Fraser Valley as the new Associate Vice President, Finance.  

Simone brings more than 20 years of progressively senior financial leadership experience in public education and nonprofit governance. She comes to UFV from the Chilliwack School District, where’s she’s served as Secretary Treasurer since 2023. In that role, she oversaw a broad portfolio including budgeting, reporting, payroll, procurement, treasury, and risk management, supporting a large and complex organization with significant operating resources. 

“Her experience includes advancing long-range facilities planning, leading property acquisitions, and supporting major capital and construction-related initiatives, alongside operational problem-solving such as transportation and service delivery improvements,” says Nicole Adams, UFV Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Administration. 

The areas Simone will oversee at UFV include: 

• Ancillary Services: a student-centred area of the university that provides quality products and services to support students, faculty, and staff throughout their time at UFV. The area oversees campus bookstores, campus card, conference services, food services, parking, and print and creative services.  

• Budgets & Resource Planning: oversees the development of a comprehensive financial plan that integrates planning across the university and allocates resources to support and achieve the objectives of the university. 

• Financial Services: responsible for managing financial activity and providing exceptional service through financial leadership, including management of banking functions, financial systems, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, research accounting, endowment accounting, and all internal and external financial reporting. 

• Supply Chain:  procurement services and logistics services, supporting the university through purchasing, movement of materials and goods, shipping and receiving, and courier and mail services. 

“She is known as a strategic and collaborative leader who aligns financial planning with organizational priorities, while fostering transparency, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement,” says Nicole. “Simone brings a thoughtful, people-centred approach to leadership that supports both performance and organizational effectiveness. We look forward to her leadership and the contributions she will bring to our continued growth and financial stewardship.” 

Prior to her time at SD33, Simone served as assistant school superintendent of finance for Bellingham Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales, Australia, plus Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees from Harvard University. 

She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and has worked for KPMG (accounting) in Vancouver and Sydney, Australia. Simone brings additional governance experience through roles such as treasurer with the David Suzuki Foundation. 

Simone says she’s excited to return to post-secondary education. 

“UFV’s ability to forge connections with the Fraser Valley community and adjust to the changing demands of post-secondary education requires a team that has an ability to execute on their strategic vision,” she says. “I look forward to working with members of the VP Finance Office and university community to build on these partnerships and advance the academic mission.” 

Simone began her new role Aug 1.

 

Story by Eric Welsh – eric.welsh@ufv.ca