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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New Payroll FAQ Available for Faculty and Staff
Payroll Operations recently created a FAQ to answer the community’s most common questions, ranging from when you get paid and how to understand your pay statement, to why your net pay might be lower at the beginning of the year.
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MOA: Great Hall Renewal project is proceeding
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA): Great Hall Renewal project is proceeding, and the dismantling of the outer walls of MOA’s Great Hall is starting this week. This work will continue into the Spring 2022, with construction of the new structure…
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Facilities Annual Injury Statistical Review 2021
UBC Facilities aims to provide a safe, healthy, and secure environment to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all of us as we work to support the university. In order to gain some insight into our health and safety…
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UBC Gateway project received the 2021 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence
The design intends to express commonalities between Musqueam values, culture, and learning and the UBC Gateway environmental and wellness goals. The UBC Gateway project is nearing the end of the design process and should start construction in spring, targeting Board…
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Staff: Submit your Professional Development Fund claims by March 4
A reminder to staff and research associates to use available professional development (PD) funding and submit your claims in Workday by Friday, March 4, 2022. Claim submissions will commence again on April 1, 2022, at the start of the new…
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.