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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This holiday season visit MOA before temporary 2023 closure
The upcoming winter holidays present a final opportunity for visitors to explore the Museum of Anthropology at UBC before it closes for much of 2023. This temporary closure is to complete the seismic upgrades of the Great Hall and accomplish…
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Updated UBC Technical Guidelines
The Technical Guidelines help to ensure that buildings and renovations are designed and constructed to optimize service life and minimize the whole life-cycle cost for the University.
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Delay in ordering UBC Visa cards
Due to office closure over the holiday season, UBC’s Credit Card team will hold off on ordering new UBC Visa cards starting from Thursday, December 15, 2022, until Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
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Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
Sam has been a driving force in finding opportunities to build a stronger foundation for our Campus Security teams. His extensive experience in leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security, and Risk Management roles in the public sector will make…
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Making accountability personal
Thomas Straley — with 20 years of experience in Accounts Payable — is one of the lucky people who find their dream job early and build an endlessly rewarding career.
People of the VPFO
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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.
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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…