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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Claiming your basic personal tax elections
A guide from UBC Payroll Operations to claiming your basic personal tax elections this year. Tax credit elections affect the amount of tax that you have deducted each pay period. Failure to update the tax credits may result in an…
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Nationwide menstrual hygiene supplies shortage
Due to supply chain issues, we are currently experiencing delays in refilling our menstrual hygiene dispensers in washrooms across the UBC Vancouver campus. UBC Facilities is working with our suppliers and distribution centres, however, we do not have a confirmed…
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Safety Awareness Week is January 9–13, 2023
Stop by UBC Campus Security’s booths to learn how you can help keep yourself and the UBC community safe and secure.
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2022 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. This year, Facilities received over 60 nominations. Congratulations to our 2022…
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Happy holidays from John
It’s been another unique year at UBC as we have transitioned back to more normal operations after the pandemic, yet have undergone some significant changes. I’m proud of everyone’s efforts to build a cohesive Facilities team within the VP Finance…
People of the VPFO
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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…
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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.