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

  • Understanding how operations and maintenance are funded at UBC

    Over the past decade, UBC has grown considerably and now is similar to a city or town, in addition to being a university campus. With a dynamic and growing population, UBC Facilities recognizes the need to provide transparency on how…

    Read more: Understanding how operations and maintenance are funded at UBC
  • Collaborating across UBC to prepare campus for climate-change emergencies

    We have seen the harmful effects of extreme heat, extreme rainfall, and wildfire events in BC over the past few years. To help UBC prepare for climate change-related emergencies, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management alongside faculty partners created the…

    Read more: Collaborating across UBC to prepare campus for climate-change emergencies
  • The Museum of Anthropology reopens to the public

    The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) upgrades are complete and the museum reopened to the public last week. The reopening weekend coincided with the museum’s 75th anniversary and events and performances were held to celebrate. Many VPFO staff attended the reopening,…

    Read more: The Museum of Anthropology reopens to the public
  • Sharing power between your car and campus: UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED)

    In partnership with industry and government, UBC MéridaLabs created the SHED, a living laboratory that emulates links between energy, transportation, and urban design. UBC Facilities’ managed the project’s construction, bringing this complex, innovative project into reality.

    Read more: Sharing power between your car and campus: UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED)
  • UBC Facilities recognized as a leader in cleaning with international certification

    UBC Facilities achieved the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Green Building (GB) advanced by GBAC with Honours certification. This certification from ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry, places UBC in the elite top tier of all…

    Read more: UBC Facilities recognized as a leader in cleaning with international certification

People of the VPFO

  • 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…

    Read more: Gardenia Honorio joins Facilities as Manager, Business and Support Services
  • 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.

    Read more: Django Lehner is promoted to People & Process Manager in Building Operations
  • 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…

    Read more: Anthony Boyce promoted to Head Metal Worker in Building Operations
  • 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,…

    Read more: Bert Tempel joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
  • 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.

    Read more: Carolyn Rhee-Thompson joins UBC as Finance Director, VPFO/VPHR