Thank you from Vice-President, Finance, Karamjeet Heer

A short while ago, the President’s Office sent a Bulletin to the university announcing some changes in the VPFO’s senior leadership team. I’m reaching out to share a bit more context about this transition.

Since June, I have had the pleasure and privilege to lead the VPFO as Interim Vice-President Finance in partnership with Interim Vice-President Operations, John Metras. In this brief time, I have found my position to be rewarding and challenging in ways I could never have anticipated. I was thoroughly enjoying my work and was certainly not looking for other opportunities.

But life has a way of showing you new ideas when you’re ready to consider them.

When I first moved to Canada from India, I established my home and family in Burnaby, in the shadow of Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) main campus. As I established myself as a professional in my new community, I was invited to an SFU-organized Diwali Gala. It left me with a deep, positive impression of SFU. For the first time since I left India I felt like I was celebrating Diwali as part of a true community.

So, when several people in my network reached out to me to ask if I would consider leading SFU’s Finance group, I already saw SFU as part of my home and part of my community. We all know opportunities like this do not come around often. My growth at UBC over the last 3 years has been critical in preparing me. I am especially grateful to Andrew Szeri and Peter Smailes for their invitation to join UBC and their steadfast support of me as UBC’s Comptroller. The depth of talent on our team has given me the opportunity to contribute significant improvements to our financial processes and successfully manage the many pressures of the pandemic. You have all taught me so much.

The financial road ahead for UBC will still be challenging as the university continues to face financial pressures. However, I know you are resilient and will continue to work together as one, unified VPFO to challenge the status quo and thrive for excellence. In this, your diversity will become one of your greatest strengths. Please continue to build an inclusive environment that embraces your differences and supports each other. Continue to stand up for your values, encourage innovation, and demand excellence regardless of your role at the university. You are better together and by working as one can have a bigger impact in the university and its global mission.

I am grateful for the friendships I have made and I will continue to cherish my time at UBC. Please stay connected — Holly Rail will have my new contact information at SFU as it becomes available. And, through industry associations like COWFLOP, CAUBO, W3, as well as informal gatherings and catch ups, we will not be far apart and can continue to share, learn and grow together into the future.

My warmest thanks to you all.