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

  • 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.

    Read more: Updated UBC Technical Guidelines
  • 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.

    Read more: Delay in ordering UBC Visa cards
  • 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…

    Read more: Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
  • 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.

    Read more: Making accountability personal
  • UBC publishes first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures Report

    UBC endorses the adoption of Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and is committed to producing annual TCFD disclosures alongside supporting TCFD’s global mission of market transparency.

    Read more: UBC publishes first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures Report

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