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
-
UBC supplier tax forms for 2024
UBC mails out a copy of the tax forms (T4A and T5) every year by early February. Suppliers can also download tax forms directly from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.
-
Masks required in health care facilities
As of January 6, medical mask-wearing is required in all health care facilities in British Columbia where active patient care is being provided.
-
HSBC Global Disbursements transitions to RBC International Pay
As part of the HSBC-RBC transition, UBC is transitioning to RBC’s International Pay on January 17, 2025. Please note there is a difference in the level of supported currencies between RBC’s International Pay and the previous platform HSBC Global Disbursement.
-
Find the room you need with the new Find a Space tool!
The updated Find a Space tool on the Learning Spaces website is now live and ready for use! This upgraded tool provides advanced search options for buildings, classrooms, and spaces related to teaching and learning.
-
UBC Alert testing on January 17 — are you in the loop?
UBC Alert will be sending out a test notification to UBC Vancouver and Okanagan students, faculty, and staff via a phone call and text message on Friday, January 17, 2025. Make sure your mobile number is up to date on Workday.
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.