Krista deMilliano

Krista deMilliano currently serves as Alberta’s Chief Provincial Plant Health Officer. Raised on a cattle and grain farm near Lamont, Alberta, she developed an early interest in crop production that led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Alberta. Her early career experience includes research, agricultural retail and municipal government, where she gained foundational experience with key provincial legislation governing pests and weeds.

With over a decade with Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture, Krista has built expertise across business development, crop extension and policy. Her interest in emergency management – shaped by major provincial events such as the Fort McMurray wildfire and Southern Alberta floods – now informs her leadership in plant health preparedness. She works closely with specialists across government, industry and the Alberta Plant Health Lab to assess pest risks and translate scientific findings into policy recommendations.

In her current role, Krista leads Alberta’s coordinated response to plant health threats, oversees regulatory reviews, and engages with farmers, crop commissions and municipalities to strengthen the province’s resilience. Her work includes evaluating regulated species, monitoring emerging pest threats, and leading provincial readiness exercises.