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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New Tool to Enhance the Efficiency of Expense Report Management in Workday
We will launch of Expense Protect, a tool to help reduce time spent on manual review of Expense Reports in Workday. Expense Protect will analyze data trends from expense reports to provide insights.
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Updates to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing
As part of recent updates within the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing, the Centre entrance doors will remain locked during work hours. VPFO staff can now enter the space by swiping their UBC staff cards.
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We’re saying goodbye to @UBCFixMySpace on X (Twitter)
As of September 1, 2025, UBC Facilities will be decommissioning our X (formerly Twitter) account @UBCFixMySpace. This change reflects our ongoing efforts to streamline communications and ensure consistent, reliable support for the campus community. For immediate assistance, call the Facilities…
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New accounts payable system to launch this Summer
A new system called ‘Ascend’ will be implemented this Summer to streamline the invoice triage and entry process across both UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Invoicing standards will remain the same—please continue following standard invoicing and Workday procedures.
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UBC Perception & Cognition Lab Renovation begins July 14
Construction on the UBC Perception & Cognition Lab (Ongchoco Lab) Renovation is anticipated to begin on July 14, 2025, and to be completed in October 2025.
People of the VPFO
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Gardenia Honorio joins Facilities as Manager, Business and Support Services
Gardenia will take on this temporary 18 month position while Joey-Lee Rebelo fills in for Deb Capps’ maternity leave. She brings a wealth of career experience between her previous positions in both Brazil and Canada, including nearly a year spent…
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Django Lehner is promoted to People & Process Manager in Building Operations
During his time at UBC, Django has shown extensive knowledge of complex mechanical systems and mechanical trade operations. He has garnered the respect of his peers and co-workers across the department with his strong communication skills and demeanor.
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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.