MONROVIA – House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has appointed Ms. Telia Urey as the Senior Advisor on Foreign Affairs and Legislative Engagements in his office. In this capacity, Ms. Urey will spearhead the Speaker’s agenda to foster collaboration between the Liberian Legislature and international legislative bodies.

In a statement on his official Facebook page, Speaker Koffa stated that Urey will coordinate, advise, and guide his foreign affairs initiatives within the Legislature. She will work in concert with the House’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Economics from McGill University and a certification from the London School of Economics in Business, International Relations, and Political Economy. Ms. Urey is a politician, philanthropist, and businesswoman with over a decade of experience in leading and directing enterprises across Africa.

She was once a staunch supporter of then-candidate Joseph Boakai prior to the 2023 general elections. She resigned after her father and Boakai fell apart.

In 2019, she ran in a representative by-election in District 15, Montserrado County, on the ticket of the Collaborating Political Parties (All Liberian Party, Liberty Party, Alternative National Congress, and former ruling Unity Party) and came second. She was publicly praised by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her effective competition.

Ms. Urey has been involved in political advocacy for over nine years, participating in protests for social justice and economic change, supporting civil society movements, engaging with the media, and backing various political candidates and campaigns.

Speaker Koffa, a successful lawyer and the third highest-ranking public official in the Liberian government, is known for seeking the services of highly qualified individuals. Urey is expected to bring a wealth of experience and enhance the team of skilled staff in the Speaker’s office.

Telia Urey is the daughter of Liberian businessman and politician Benoni Urey. Ms. Urey’s appointment underscores the Speaker’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s legislative engagement on the international stage.