In a significant move by Governor Tina Kotek, former Republican State Senator Tim Knopp has been tapped to become the new Chief Prosperity Officer for the state of Oregon. The announcement came as Kotek looks to bolster the state's economic initiatives under her administration's Prosperity Roadmap. Charged with fueling growth in the state's gross domestic product, creating family-wage jobs, and fostering the success of Oregon businesses, Knopp delivers a breadth of experience to the role.
“To be successful, this role demands a unique set of skills — an entrepreneurial spirit, a systems thinker, and equal parts pragmatism and persistence,” Kotek expressed in a recent announcement. The choice of Knopp reflects the Governor’s intent to lead Oregon towards heightened economic success. Knopp himself voiced his commitment in a statement saying, “When the Governor calls on you to drive prosperity for Oregonians across the state, grow the economy, and support Oregon businesses, the answer is yes.” These details were outlined in an official press release from the governor’s office.
Alongside Knopp’s appointment, Governor Kotek has unveiled the members of her Prosperity Council, an assembly tasked with advising on economic strategies. The council, co-chaired by Ampere founder Renee James and Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold, signals a push for collaborative effort within the state's entrepreneurial and business sectors. Their first meeting is slated for later this month, setting the stage for potential advancements in Oregon's growth trajectory.
Knopp arrives at the Chief Prosperity Officer position with a history deeply rooted in Oregon. His four decades in Central Oregon, across various professional and community roles, underline his commitment to the state’s prospering. Spanning his tenure in public service to small business leadership and non-profit involvement, Knopp's career has been marked by a dedication to aiding Oregon's workforce, healthcare, education, and human services. His time in the legislature, legislative achievements, and a focus on fiscal responsibility and strengthening small businesses were particularly noted in his previous roles as detailed in the release.
The former Republican State Senator is expected to vacate his existing roles, including as the executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association and as the executive director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing, to assume his new duties as Chief Prosperity Officer. With this changeover, Kotek's administration gains a notable bipartisan figure, known for his work in crafting policies such as the Paid Leave Oregon program alongside Kotek herself when she held the position of Speaker of the House. Tim Knopp will start in his new capacity next week, bringing with him a legacy of public service and community engagement that could prove vital to the state's economic ambitions.
