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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Watermain work on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL)
UBC Facilities will support this work from September 15-16, 2022 by switching over our campus water feed. During this switchover, there will be minimal disruption to our water supply.
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Keeping General Teaching Space doors unlocked
The Learning Spaces team in Infrastructure Development has been busy preparing classroom spaces for the upcoming Winter Session 2022/23 Term 1, and working with Campus Security to ensure General Teaching Spaces remain unlocked to allow faculty and staff the flexibility…
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Are you prepared for an emergency?
Help increase the campus community’s resilience, emergency awareness and preparedness by joining us on September 6-8. Find our Emergency Preparedness booth on Imagine UBC at Main Mall on September 6, and Ride the Quake Cottage, an earthquake simulator at University…
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Increasing Collaboration with the Catchbox Throwable Microphone System
The Learning Spaces team recently received a video from the Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) program where students incorporated the Catchbox, a wireless, throwable microphone that supports collaborative and interactive sessions into their presentations this summer. Take a look at the Catchbox in…
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Begin the Academic Year on Track by Ensuring Your Supplier Is Set-up Properly
This is a reminder that Purchase Orders or Outstanding Invoices cannot be issued or paid without a supplier record in Workday. To avoid procurement and payment delays, please submit your supplier setup and change requests in Workday as soon as possible.
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.