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
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UBC Completes Initial Transitioning of Funds Through the Responsible Investing Strategy
As part of UBC’s commitment to a low-carbon, sustainable future and divesting the endowment, the university is pleased to share that $34M of endowment funds have been transitioned to fossil-fuel-free investments.
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Faculty and Staff Tax Slips for the 2020 Tax Year will be Available in Workday
This year, T4 tax slips (and T4As, where applicable) will be made available for faculty and staff through the Workday system before the end of February, in line with Canadian tax legislation.
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UBC planning $315 million facility expansion of medical research and nursing schools
The Vancouver Urbanized blog shared an overview of some key projects planned for the Point Grey campus, including new health sciences facilities located at the main gateway into the campus.
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Claiming home office expenses — updated CRA guidance
Recognizing the special circumstances of the 2020 tax year, the CRA has announced two new ways employees may be able to claim home office expenses.
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John Metras, UBC’s AVP Facilities to speak at St. john’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series
On January 27, St. John’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series invites you to meet over lunch with a group of our colleagues from across the university, and share thoughts and conversations about how we might work toward the goal of…
People of the VPFO
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Anthony Boyce promoted to Head Metal Worker in Building Operations
Tony joined UBC in 2017, and progressed his way through the Metal Shop in Trades within Building Operations, and most recently as the Sub-Head for the past 18 months. He has over 35 years experience in the sheet metal industry…
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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,…
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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.
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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…
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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…