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

  • Our purpose shapes us 

    Over the last 3 months, I’ve met with teams from across the VPFO, most recently with our new VPFO Project Management Team. Through these conversations one thing is always abundantly clear: what we do in the VPFO matters — deeply…

    Read more: Our purpose shapes us 
  • Leveraging Smartsheet for project planning and tracking

    VPFO Project Management Office uses Smartsheet, a modern project and work management tool, to manage project plans, track deliverables and report on key project milestones. Safety and Risk Services (SRS) within the VPFO has also recently embraced these tools to…

    Read more: Leveraging Smartsheet for project planning and tracking
  • New Asbestos Awareness course available for UBC community

    Developed by Safety & Risk Services, the newly launched Asbestos Awareness course is designed to enhance faculty, staff and student workers’ knowledge about asbestos as facilities on the Point Grey Campus built before 1990 may contain asbestos.

    Read more: New Asbestos Awareness course available for UBC community
  • Enhancing operations and safety: BRDF control room & office renovation

    As part of an effort to enhance operations and safety, the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) control room and office have recently been renovated. The purpose of this renovation was to modernize the BRDF control room and personnel quarters.

    Read more: Enhancing operations and safety: BRDF control room & office renovation
  • Keep track with VPFO Project Management Office’s projects through the Project Portfolio Management Dashboard

    The VPFO Project Management team uses a project portfolio management (PPM) tool to help with the intake, prioritization, selection and management of continuous improvement projects at UBC. Click through to see the dashboard.

    Read more: Keep track with VPFO Project Management Office’s projects through the Project Portfolio Management Dashboard

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