Karen at a Glance

Expertises

Management & Leadership

Karen Aberle is the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum Centre and Star Store, where she leads both a charity and a retail/food business that sustains it. Under her leadership—even through the challenges of Covid-19—the museum has grown as an inclusive community hub. She brings this same innovative and progressive approach to municipal leadership.”

Team Work & Policy Governance

Karen serves on local boards, while advocating for local businesses and supporting those at risk of homelessness. She is also active in Alberta’s museum community, serving on provincial wide boards and committees. These roles have given her firsthand experience in policy governance and a clear understanding of the relationship between City Council and Administration.

Strategic & Critical Thinking

Dr. Aberle brings rare expertise—having a PhD earned by less than 1% of Canadians. She excels at analyzing complex information, generating innovative solutions, and effectively advocating for them. Her training in critical thinking and problem-solving is a strong asset at the council table, helping our community thrive.

Respect & Relationship Building

Karen has built strong partnerships with all levels of government, local businesses, and organizations across Wetaskiwin City, County, and Maskwacis. Her collaborative approach has brought the community together for events such as Canada Day, Taste of Wetaskiwin, Welcoming Week, Orange Shirt Day, and many others. She knows that lasting relationships are the foundation for positive change and key to achieving Wetaskiwin’s vision as the City We Share.

Work Experiences

Executive Director & Chief Curator at Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum Centre and Star Store

2013 – Present

Front of House Supervisor at Brian Maule at the the Chardon D’Or (Glasgow, Scotland)

2008 – 2010

Instructor at the University of British Columnbia

2001 – 2007

Curatorial Assistant at the Nickle Arts Museum, University of Calgary

1999 – 2001

Server for the Calgary Flames Sports Entertainment Corporation

1996 – 2001

Barista and Shift Supervisor at Higher Ground Coffee (Calgary, AB)

1996 – 1999

Cashier and weekend / evening supervisor at Coles Bookstore (Calgary, AB)

1990 – 1994

Volunteer Experiences

Member of the Wetaskiwin Public Library Board of Directors

2024 – Present

Member of the Wetaskiwin Transit Society Board of Directors

2023 – Present

Member / Auditor Connect Wetaskiwin

2023 – Present

Vice-Chair / Board Member with the Wetaskiwin Arts & Music Festival

2019 – Present

Publicity & Education Executive Member at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 86 (Wetaskiwin, AB)

2019 – ,2022

Vice-President, Treasurer/Secretary, Director at the Alberta Museums Association

2015 – 2020

President, Past-President, Vice-President, Tresurer, & Committee Chair with the Central Alberta Regional Museum Network

2014 – 2021

Logistice Committee Member, Annual Interdisciplingary Graduate Student Conference (University of British Columbia)

2001 – 2007

Volunteer for Volunteer Services and Student Food Bank at the University of Calgary

1992 – 1998

Program Coordinator of Students for Literacy at the University of Calgary

1994 – 1996

Formal Education

PhD, Classics (specialisation in Archaeology) from the University of British Columbia

2012

MA, Classical Archaeology from the University of British Columbia

2003

BA, Greek and Roman Studies with a minor in Museum and Hertiage Studies from the University of Calgary

2000

BSc with a double major in Archaeology and Anthropology from the University of Calgary

1997