Katherine Murphy named CEO of Alberta’s Police Review Commission

The Government of Alberta has appointed Katherine Murphy as incoming chief executive officer of the Police Review Commission, as the agency continues to advance Alberta’s independent, civilian-led police oversight work.

Murphy brings more than 15 years of senior leadership and regulatory experience to the PRC. A long-standing public servant, Murphy has led large, multi-disciplinary teams and has extensive experience as a civilian leader in law enforcement.

She is joining the PRC from the Calgary Police Service, where she served as chief strategy officer, leading the Bureau of Organizational Performance, which handles strategy, legal services, professional standards, finance, policy, intergovernmental relations, public affairs and communications.

“I am honoured to lead the Police Review Commission as it continues to grow and deliver on its important mandate,” said Murphy.  “I look forward to working with the team to ensure independent, fair and transparent oversight that strengthens trust between communities and police across Alberta.”

Murphy’s appointment comes at the next stage of the PRC’s development.

Since launching in December 2025, the PRC has assumed responsibility for Alberta’s police complaints and oversight framework under a single civilian-led structure. That mandate includes disciplinary matters, alternative dispute resolution and oversight of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT).

Throughout her career, Murphy has worked in senior leadership roles focused on governance, public accountability and complex regulatory systems.

Prior to joining the Calgary Police Service, Murphy served as chief of staff and corporate secretary of the Canada Energy Regulator. In that capacity, she provided strategic and governance support to the regulator’s board of directors, CEO and Indigenous advisory committee. Murphy has also practiced law at two national law firms.

She holds a bachelor of laws from Dalhousie University, and a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Acadia University.

“Katherine Murphy brings deep leadership experience, strong governance credentials and a clear understanding of the importance of independence and accountability in police oversight,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “Her background positions her well to lead the Police Review Commission as it continues to mature and deliver on its mandate.”

Murphy is succeeding Michael Ewenson, who is leaving the PRC following his appointment to the Alberta Court of Justice.

Ewenson played a foundational role in establishing the organization during its launch and early operational period. Before becoming the PRC’s first CEO, he led ASIRT, where he was widely recognized for improving investigative efficiency, reducing backlogs and advancing civilian police oversight in Alberta.

As the organization moves through this leadership transition, Murphy officially joins the PRC on June 8. Jessica Thomson, the executive director of the PRC’s corporate services branch, will serve as acting CEO during the transition period.

Thomson has played a key role in the PRC’s creation and operational growth, including helping lead implementation work ahead of the agency’s launch. Prior to joining the PRC, Thomson held senior leadership roles within the Government of Alberta focused on public administration, organizational strategy and large-scale system implementation.