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
-
Read more: Turn electronics off! Help save energy as part of UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown

Turn electronics off! Help save energy as part of UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown
This holiday season help save energy by unplugging electronics and turning out the lights. This supports energy savings as part of UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown, which lowers the temperature in buildings during the winter break.
-
Read more: Re-register for access to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing in 2026

Re-register for access to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing in 2026
We are refreshing access for the Centre to ensure our records are current. All existing access will be removed on January 12, and only staff who have re-registered will retain entry to the Centre and group classes.
-
Read more: Working and walking in the cold – Avoid slips, trips, and falls

Working and walking in the cold – Avoid slips, trips, and falls
With colder temperatures and increased winter conditions, take precautions not to slip, trip, and fall. Outdoor workers should also be alert of the risk for cold stress.
-
Read more: New leadership roles in the VPFO

New leadership roles in the VPFO
As part of our continued efforts to strengthen strategic alignment and operational excellence across the VPFO, we will be initiating two key recruitment processes in the coming weeks. First, we are establishing a new position: Managing Director, Strategy Planning and…
-
Read more: Run, Hide, Fight: Protect yourself during an active threat

Run, Hide, Fight: Protect yourself during an active threat
Understanding what to do in the high-pressure reality of an active threat is important. If faced with an active threat, whether at UBC or elsewhere, be prepared to respond: Run, Hide, Fight.
People of the VPFO
-
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,…
-
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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.