Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
The nine divisions of the VPFO are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety and risk management for our university community.
We oversee a $3.98 billion budget, a $3.38 billion endowment, and all facilities on both campuses, as well as managing the university’s relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust. In all the portfolio’s responsibilities, we are committed to the values of innovation, unity and accountability.

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 Payroll Representative Portfolios
The portfolio composition of our payroll representatives is now based on employee last name. This change will support our service delivery to faculty and staff, who can now more easily find their payroll representative, as well as improving our workflows…
-
UBC IMANT shares university’s first endowment carbon footprint report
The UBC Endowment Carbon Footprint Report describes activities undertaken in 2020 as well as initial emissions estimates, and establishes a baseline for evaluating progress against the university’s ambitious goal of reducing its carbon footprint 45% by 2030.
-
Keeping everyone cool while waiting to enter the VCH Vaccination site
Huge kudos to our crews for acting quickly and installing misting and portable drinking water stations near for patients that were waiting outside to enter the VCH vaccination site under last week’s heatwave.
-
UBC’S Financial Results for 2020/21
Our audited financial statements, which were approved by UBC’s Board of Governors on June 24, illustrate a healthy financial position for the university as we close the 2020/21 fiscal year.
-
Resources for dealing with heat stress and exposure
Working in hot environments, outdoors and indoors, can affect the body’s cooling system. Find resources and references to help you identify signs and symptoms of heat stress, and guidance to prevent heat exposure.
People of the VPFO
-
Bert Tempel joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
Bert joined UBC in 2001 with a sheet metal trades certification. He has spent 20 years in Building Operations’ Sheet Metal Shop where he developed extensive experience and knowledge in the construction of mechanical systems, building maintenance, HVAC systems renewal,…
-
Carolyn Rhee-Thompson joins UBC as Finance Director, VPFO/VPHR
Carolyn is a CPA with over 10 years of financial leadership experience supporting a broad group of internal clients. As Finance Director, VPFO/VPHR, Carolyn will bring financial leadership and strategic expertise to the portfolio.
-
Joey-Lee Robelo, Operations Project Manager – Change Management for Customer Services & Informatics
Over the next 18 months, Joey-Lee will work with both Facilities and the EMMS project team to support the Facilities team with change management, learning and professional development. Notable upcoming initiatives include Planon rollout for Energy & Water Services and…
-
Dean Gregory will be joining Building Operations as the Municipal Landscape Architect
Dean’s journey with the university began 13 years ago as the Campus Landscape Architect in Campus & Community Planning (C&CP). Dean has been instrumental in transforming both the UBC Point Grey and Okanagan campuses through the planning and implementing of…
-
Scott Stevens promoted as High Voltage Electrical Sub-Head in Energy & Water Services
Scott Stevens will be joining the Supervisory Organization of Electrical Trades with Energy & Water Services at the Campus Energy Center location. His role as Sub-Head starts on August 3, 2021.