Key Influencer – Karah Folk – Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta

Source: LinkedIn

Karah Folk was promoted to Chief of Staff in the Office of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in September 2026, following several years working across the Legislature and Government of Alberta. In her new role, Folk supports the Speaker and the broader work of the Legislative Assembly, bringing experience in communications, policy, stakeholder engagement, and legislative operations.

Folk’s career in provincial government began at the Legislature in 2022, when she served as a Legislative Coordinator. She later moved into the Government of Alberta as a Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities before leaving government temporarily to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom. After completing her Master’s degree, she returned to Alberta in late 2024 as a Policy Advisor in Affordability and Utilities.

In October 2025, Folk moved into communications as Press Secretary in the Ministry of Indigenous Relations. The role placed her on a complex and relationship-driven portfolio involving engagement with First Nations, Métis partners, and stakeholders across the province. Folk has described that experience as particularly formative, providing lessons in navigating nuanced issues, stakeholder relationships, and public communications that she now brings into the Speaker’s office.

Her new position represents a notable shift from ministerial political staff to the institutional side of the Legislature. The Speaker’s office occupies a unique position within Alberta’s parliamentary system, supporting the orderly functioning of the Assembly and serving Members across party lines. Folk’s previous experience within both the Legislative Assembly and executive government provides her with familiarity with the processes, relationships, and communications considerations on both sides of that divide.

Folk holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Aberystwyth University in Wales and studied Political Science, Government, and Spanish at the University of Alberta. Her academic interests in governance, diplomacy, and political institutions closely align with her new role. With experience spanning legislative operations, ministerial policy, communications, and stakeholder engagement, Folk will be an important figure within the Speaker’s office as the Legislature prepares for another active session.