The 2024 UBC Staff Pension Plan Elections include:
- An election of two (2) UBC Staff Pension Plan members to serve as Board Members for a four-year period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028.
- A by-election of one (1) UBC Staff Pension Plan member to serve as Board Member for a two-year period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Voting instructions and candidate statements for both elections appear below.
Voting Instructions
There are two ways you can vote: online or by paper ballot. Members with a Campus-Wide Login (CWL) username and password can vote online through the Simply Voting system. Those who do not have a CWL are asked to submit paper ballots. Please follow the instructions below.
Vote Online
To vote online you must have a Campus-Wide Login (CWL) at UBC. If you do not have a CWL, please use the paper ballot method outlined below. If you have forgotten your CWL username or password, please go to: https://www.myaccount.ubc.ca/myAccount/
Election for Four-Year Term
- Go to Simply Voting at ubc.simplyvoting.com
- Select “Login” to login with your CWL credentials
- Vote for up to two (2) candidates by selecting the box next to each candidate’s name
- Select “Continue” and then select “Confirm” to confirm your votes before logging out
By-Election for Two-Year Term
- Go to Simply Voting at ubc.simplyvoting.com
- Select “Login” to login with your CWL credentials
- Vote for one (1) candidate by selecting the box next to the candidate’s name
- Select “Continue” and then select “Confirm” to confirm your vote before logging out
Vote by Paper Ballot
Paper ballots for both elections were mailed or emailed to members of the UBC Staff Pension Plan with their election package on 24 October 2024. If you do not have CWL credentials, you can fill out the ballots that were mailed to you and return them to UBC Elections as directed on the ballots. You can also download copies of the four-year election ballot and the two-year by-election ballot.
Deadline
All paper ballots must be received by UBC Elections, Enrolment Services by 4 pm on Thursday 21 November 2024 in order to be valid. Online voting will also close at this time.
Candidate Statements
Eligibility for either or both the election and by-election is stated below each candidate's name.
Sam Filipenko
Candidate for By-Election (2-year term)
I am the Research Program Manager at the UBC Indigenous Research Support Initiative, a role I’ve held since joining the university in March 2023. My work involves fostering collaboration between Indigenous community partners and UBC researchers, which requires high standards of ethics, accountability, and respect for long-term community interests.
I believe these values align closely with the principles of the Staff Pension Plan, particularly in the area of Responsible Investing. If elected, I will advocate for higher standards of investment practices that prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, ensuring that our investments are ethically sound while maintaining the financial health of the Plan for both current and future beneficiaries. Our financial security does not need to come at the cost of global community safety and planetary health. I am committed to working toward an investment strategy that balances these priorities, helping to secure a sustainable future for all.
I would be honored to represent my colleagues on the Board and contribute to the ongoing strength and ethical stewardship of the Staff Pension Plan.
Michael Guimond
Candidate for both Election (4-year term) and By-Election (2-year term)
As a current elected member of the Staff Pension Plan Board, it would be an honour and a privilege to serve all Plan members for another term. I am humbly asking for your support.
The Staff Pension Plan is one of the most valuable benefits available to UBC staff members. 6.5% of each of your paycheques goes towards funding the Plan, with the University adding 9.4%. The Plan has more than $2.6 billion under management, and the Board plays a critical role in ensuring these funds serve all of you well in a sustainable way. It is critical that those on the Board are both qualified and motivated. I can confidently say I am both of these.
I have invested countless hours since joining the Board learning about pension plans, understanding how ours works, and contributing to the Board as it makes decisions about the Plan’s future. I do this with all UBC staff in mind, whether you are retired, retiring soon, or have many years until you’ll be taking a pension. Ensuring each of you has a financially secure retirement is my goal. The staff at UBC make everything UBC does possible, and you deserve to retire well.
By profession, I am a designated accountant (CPA) with Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees. I have worked at UBC for over 19 years in progressively more senior roles, and am currently the Director of Finance for the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. I have a deep understanding of higher education institutions, finance, investments, governance, and risk management. If re-elected, I will continue to bring these skills to the Board.
It would be an honour to continue to serve as one of your representatives on the Staff Pension Plan Board. Thank you for your consideration.
Dawn Irmscher
Candidate for Election (4-year term)
As a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of experience in financial management, investment analysis, and risk assessment, I am excited to apply for a position on the UBC Staff Pension Board. My extensive background in finance and payroll operations uniquely equips me to contribute effectively to the stewardship and strategic oversight of our pension fund.
My role as a professional seminar facilitator and instructor for the National Payroll Institute, combined with my work experience, has provided me with substantial understanding of defined benefit pension plans. I have navigated the complexities of staff inquiries related to pension contributions throughout the employee lifecycle, gaining a comprehensive understanding of pension plan intricacies.
Key aspects of my experience include:
- Financial Analysis and Reporting: I have a proven track record in preparing and interpreting financial statements, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. My analytical skills enable me to evaluate fund performance, identify potential risks, and recommend improvements.
- Investment Management: My understanding of balancing risk and return is critical for aligning decisions with the long-term goals of the pension fund. I am dedicated to making informed choices that support the fund’s sustainability.
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation: I have extensive experience in identifying and mitigating financial risks, which is essential for maintaining the health of the pension fund.
I am excited to play an active role in the oversight and governance of the pension plan. Ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing fund assets are priorities for me, and I am committed to contributing my skills to support the board's mission and secure a stable future for all plan members.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Steve Kennedy
Candidate for By-Election (2-year term)
I am a 10+ year employee with the intention to retire at the end of 2025. My election to the board for a two-year term until the end of 2026 puts me in the unique position of seeing the portfolio through the eyes of someone both currently employed and newly retired during my tenure.
My financial knowledge comes from my education at Sauder (BCom 84) and past board positions. I am presently President of the Memorial Society of British Columbia, a consumer protection non-profit providing its more than 40,000 active members with access to simple, dignified and affordable funerals.
Before my hire at alumni UBC, I was President of the Advertising Agency Association of BC, representing the interests of the local advertising industry. It also produced the annual Lotus Awards, recognizing excellence in advertising created in BC. And for many years I was a Board Director at Ballet BC, including the period when it entered receivership, reorganizing and reemerging as financially sound and artistically successful. All of these positions required financial oversight typical of board appointments.
In my role as a board member for UBC’s Staff Pension Plan, I will bring to the table all of these experiences, along with my years of employment at UBC – as a member of the leadership team at alumni UBC, and part of UBC’s DAE (Development and Alumni Engagement) Lead Strategy Group for FORWARD, the campaign for UBC.
As part of the UBC Staff Pension Plan Board, I will be happy to contribute to the growth of a secure and ethically-minded portfolio.
Paul Kwon
Candidate for Election (4-year term)
I am excited to run to serve a second term on the UBC Staff Pension Plan Board. Currently, I am the Manager of Finance and Operations at UBC Hiring Solutions, where I have the pleasure of working with a team of amazing recruitment professionals to attract top talent to UBC.
During my first term on the Pension Board, I gained valuable insights into plan design, funding, and asset management, which strengthened my commitment to safeguarding the financial security of our members. I’m particularly proud of our team’s collaboration with the Pension Administration Office and UBC Investment Management to implement an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scorecard for asset manager review, reflecting my dedication to sustainable and responsible financial practices. Additionally, I’ve completed a Certificate in Pension Law at Osgoode Hall, further enhancing my knowledge in pension management.
My involvement with various UBC committees and community organizations underscores my dedication to service and advocacy. I am passionate about contributing to the Pension Board’s mission of transparency and fiscal responsibility. I would be honored to continue serving our community, working to ensure the long-term sustainability of our pension plan for all members.
John Graham McIntosh
Candidate for both Election (4-year term) and By-Election (2-year term)
My name is (John) Graham McIntosh, and I’m asking for your vote to continue serving on UBC's Staff Pension Plan (SPP) Board. Now retired after a fulfilling 36-year career at UBC, I know first-hand how important it is to protect the pension benefits you’ve worked so hard to build.
Whether you are new to the plan or have been a member for decades, our pension plan is one of the most valuable benefits we have, and I’m committed to ensuring our pension plan is well governed so it can provide the secure, reliable income you deserve in retirement.
During my UBC career, I have held various roles: as a CUPE member in UBC Housing; as a M&P member developing professional business and real estate course materials; as the founder and Executive Director of the Diploma in Accounting Program and finally establishing and leading the Continuing Business Studies unit at the Sauder School of Business. In 2021, I was honored with an Honorary CPA designation by the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC, recognizing my contributions to accounting education. I also hold the RI designation from the Real Estate Institute of BC, and two degrees from UBC: an MBA in Policy Analysis and Strategy and a Bachelor of Commerce in Urban Land Economics.
As a current UBC SPP Board member combined with my background, I understand the complexities of a targeted benefit pension plan like ours and that makes me well-equipped to continue to represent all members’ interests by providing dependable and responsible governance of our pension plan.
I’m dedicated to not only protecting your pension and keeping it secure but also advocating for improving member benefits when it is prudent to do so. I hope to earn your vote and continue working to safeguard and enhance your financial future in retirement.
Benny Ng
Candidate for By-Election (2-year term)
With careful consideration, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to submit my candidacy for the UBC SPP Board. With over 15 years of experience in business management, strategic planning, and global investment, I am dedicated to representing the diverse interests of all plan members. My journey began with earning an MBA in Finance from HKUST, one of Asia’s top-ranked business schools, where I developed a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.
Following my MBA graduation, I collaborated with peers to establish an investment company, gaining invaluable lessons in decision-making, risk management, and the importance of maintaining long-term objectives. Our team consistently outperformed industry benchmarks, reflecting our commitment to effective investment strategies. Additionally, I have completed Executive Education in ESG Investing: Unlocking the Positive Value, which strengthened my dedication to sustainable investment practices and responsible governance.
I believe in the vital role of community engagement and have actively contributed to several volunteer initiatives, including serving on the advisory committee for the City, assisting seniors with their tax returns, and supporting adult education programs. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and inclusivity, the values I will bring to my role as a Board member.
If elected, I will focus on supporting the financial health of the Pension Plan through responsible plan design, secure funding, and strong benefit security. It would be a privilege to guide the SPP’s future, ensuring it meets the needs of our entire community. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to represent and serve you all.
Ajay Puri
Candidate for both Election (4-year term) and By-Election (2-year term)
I would be honoured to become your next UBC Staff Pension Plan (SPP) board member. For the past four years I have worked as a Equity Strategist in the Equity and Inclusion Office at UBC. Prior to this, I worked and had leadership roles for twenty years in the healthcare, non-profit, and social innovation sectors. I have applied my financial, governance, and equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) competencies on a variety of boards including David Suzuki Foundation, Pivot Legal Society, and Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.
I would like to use my expertise in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, social venture and impact, along with my EDI and decolonizing lens in supporting a sustainable and stable pension for all our members.
I have a twenty-five year relationship with UBC. I completed my BSc (with Commerce) degree and my Masters of Health Administration in 2005. I also began my doctoral studies but have put it on hold. I held many paid and voluntary positions, including research and teaching assistant roles, student leadership positions, facilitator and speaker at student and staff conferences, and a mentor in the Tri-mentor program for seven years. These experiences have helped me appreciate UBCs diverse campus culture and the needs of staff.
If elected, I will work with you to be prudent with the UBC SPPs financial assets, prioritize UBC values, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. I will also commit to engaging with historically, persistently and systemically marginalized communities that have been disempowered by traditional financial models into the engagement process.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and discussing how we can have a secure and healthy pension fund for years to come. I would be humbled to have your support.
Teresa Tsang
Candidate for Election (4-year term)
Hi Everyone, I am the Associate Registrar and Director of Finance, Enrolment Services working at the University of British Columbia. I am responsible for providing leadership and financial management of operations related to student financials and student financial support, including tuition assessment, student account management, awards, bursaries, scholarships, budgeting and forecasts. I have worked at UBC for over 15 years. Previously, I held various positions in the capital markets and banking industry for over ten years, including positions with Citigroup, Moody's, and HSBC Investments. I served as the Associate Vice-President, Risk Management for the corporate banking division of Citigroup.
As both a UBC employee and alumna, I am dedicated to applying the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my career and education to support a secure pension plan for the Plan members. My expertise as a financial analyst and accountant positions me well to contribute meaningfully to the governance process, ensuring the Board makes decisions that serve the best interests of the members. My passion for the UBC community and my dedication to supporting the Plan members reflect my personal commitment to this cause.
I hold a Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science degree from the University of Waterloo, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC). I am a designated Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
Minghui Yu
Candidate for both Election (4-year term) and By-Election (2-year term)
As a former UBC employee and current deferred member of the SPP, I have long been committed to contributing to the plan's governance. My persistent candidacy for the Board over the years reflects my unwavering dedication to serving our pension community. This commitment, combined with my experience running an IT services company and my MBA from SFU, has continuously strengthened my skills in governance and risk management.
If elected, I will prioritize:
- Protecting Our Pension: Applying enterprise risk management framework to strengthen the plan’s risk management governance, ensuring comprehensive identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks across all aspects of the plan.
- Keeping You Informed: Ensuring clear, timely, and accessible communication about the plan's performance, decisions, and governance to all members.
- Amplifying Your Voices: Actively listening to members' concerns and advocating for your best interests at the Board level.
- Continuous Improvement: Fully engaging in Board education and staying updated on pension governance best practices.
I commit to upholding the highest fiduciary and ethical standards in all Board activities. My diverse background - including two Bachelor degrees (one from UBC), MBA from SFU, previous roles on UBC AAPS board and City of Richmond Public Arts advisory committee, risk management education, running a business, and continued participation in the SPP since leaving UBC in 2018 - brings a unique perspective to the Board.
I will dedicate the necessary time and effort to fulfill this critical role effectively. I ask for your vote to allow me to finally serve on the SPP Board. Together, we can ensure a secure and thriving pension plan for all of us.
Thank you for your consideration!
Questions
If you have any questions about this election, please contact UBC Elections at elections.information@ubc.ca.