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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Read more: New UBC Vancouver student residences opens with gifted names from Musqueam

New UBC Vancouver student residences opens with gifted names from Musqueam
Five new UBC Vancouver student residence buildings, initially called UBC Pacific Residence, were formally opened at a special naming ceremony hosted by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band).
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Read more: Donna Caedo joins Customer Services & Informatics as EMMS Sustainment Business Analyst
Donna Caedo joins Customer Services & Informatics as EMMS Sustainment Business Analyst
As a Business Analyst, Donna will be working closely with the Facilities team on all items related to Planon, which includes responding to ServiceNow tickets, reviewing/addressing backlog items, ensuring various business activities are successfully completed in Planon, and much more.
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Read more: Updated Credit Card Request Forms in Workday

Updated Credit Card Request Forms in Workday
Financial Operations and the ISC have recently updated two Credit Card request forms in Workday: Credit Card Request | Limit Change and Credit Card Request | Application, to improve clarity and guidance as well as help reduce the number of…
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Read more: Upcoming road closures on UBC Vancouver campus

Upcoming road closures on UBC Vancouver campus
There is a number of road closures on the UBC Vancouver campus due to construction and events in the coming weeks. Please review the details and plan your routes accordingly.
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Read more: Continuing as one VPFO under Karamjeet Heer and John Metras’ leadership
Continuing as one VPFO under Karamjeet Heer and John Metras’ leadership
Starting June 1, Karamjeet Heer will begin serving as the Interim Vice-President, Finance, and John Metras will become the Interim Vice-President, Operations following the departure of Peter Smailes, former Vice-President, Finance and Operations.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Bert Tempel joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
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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Read more: Carolyn Rhee-Thompson joins UBC as Finance Director, VPFO/VPHR
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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Read more: Joey-Lee Robelo, Operations Project Manager – Change Management for Customer Services & Informatics
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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Read more: Dean Gregory will be joining Building Operations as the Municipal Landscape Architect
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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Read more: Scott Stevens promoted as High Voltage Electrical Sub-Head in Energy & Water Services
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.