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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Reminder to set up your supplier early in Workday
As we head towards the end of the fiscal year, there is an expected increase in the volume of financial transactions and requests within Workday. A reminder to UBC requestors — those purchasing goods or services — to ensure your…
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Claiming your personal tax credits
Tax credits are deductions you may be able to claim when you complete and submit your income tax return. If you require additional assistance with updating your tax elections, please submit a Workday support request through the UBC Self Service…
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Facilities teams supporting extreme weather events and keeping our community safe
2021 certainly was an unprecedented year for those working on campus to support extreme weather events. A big thank you goes out to team members across Facilities who support extreme weather such that the university can continue to operate in…
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Here Is Why Your Net Pay May Be Lower in January
Find out why your net pay may be lower in January, how it affects your personal credit return, and how to get support on updating your tax elections.
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Preliminary approval received for the downtown Kelowna project
The UBC Downtown Kelowna project recently received preliminary approval from the Board of Governors meeting on December 5, 2021 to move forward with this project. Since February 2021, design work has been in progress and is on track for construction…
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.