Oregon — Governor Tina Kotek today announced the appointment of former Republican state senator Tim Knopp as Oregon’s new Chief Prosperity Officer, a senior role focused on expanding the state’s economy, increasing gross domestic product, and supporting business growth statewide.
The newly created position will lead economic strategy within the governor’s office and advance priorities outlined in the Governor’s Prosperity Roadmap, including the creation of family-wage jobs and long-term business development.
“To be successful, this role demands a unique set of skills — an entrepreneurial spirit, a systems thinker, and equal parts pragmatism and persistence,” Kotek said. “Tim is going to be a great part of my team, and I am grateful that he has agreed to step up and serve Oregonians.”
Knopp said he accepted the role without hesitation. “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,” he said.
The appointment follows last week’s announcement of the Governor’s Prosperity Council, which will help guide the state’s economic strategy. The council is co-chaired by Ampere founder Renee James and Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold, and is scheduled to hold its first meeting later this month.
A Central Oregon resident for more than 40 years, Knopp brings decades of experience in public service, business leadership, and community involvement. His background includes work in the timber industry, small business advocacy, youth sports coaching, and board service with organizations such as the Bend Chamber of Commerce and First Story, a nonprofit focused on affordable housing.
Knopp will step away from his current roles as executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association and executive director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing to assume the new position.
His legislative career includes three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005, where he served as House Majority Leader, and service in the Oregon Senate from 2013 to 2025, including time as Senate Minority Leader. He also served on the Legislature’s powerful Ways and Means Committee and on multiple policy committees addressing workforce, health care, education, and human services.
Knopp’s tenure overlapped with Kotek’s time as Speaker of the House, during which the two worked together on bipartisan initiatives, including the Paid Leave Oregon program. His public service also includes an appointment to the U.S. Department of Labor’s ERISA Advisory Council under former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.
Knopp is scheduled to assume his duties as Chief Prosperity Officer next week.
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