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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UBC Road Closure on May 1 due to the BMO Vancouver Marathon
The BMO Vancouver Marathon is coming through UBC – road closures will occur on Sunday, May 1st from 8:00am – 12:00pm.
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Clayton Mullen joins Facilities as Senior Manager of Thermal Utilities in Energy & Water Services
As Senior Manager of Thermal Utilities, Clayton will bring thermal utility managerial and operational experience. He will be leading the Thermal Utilities team to improve practices and processes.
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UBC Flags lowered for National Day of Mourning
Flags on both UBC campuses are to be lowered in recognition of the National Day of Mourning, to remember lives lost in the workplace and resolve to prevent future tragedies.
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UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence becomes the first Passive House-certified student residence in Canada
UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence has successfully earned its Passive House Certification, making it the first student residence in Canada and second in North America to receive this certification.
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Masks required in UBC public indoor spaces until June 30
As there are now signs of further Omicron variants and increased case numbers, experts have indicated that BC is about to enter into a sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of these factors, UBC has made the decision…
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.