SALEM, Ore. (Jan. 14, 2026) — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced today that former Republican state Sen. Tim Knopp will serve as the state’s new Chief Prosperity Officer, a role tasked with advancing economic growth, creating family-wage jobs and supporting Oregon businesses under the governor’s Prosperity Roadmap.
Knopp, a longtime Central Oregon resident and veteran lawmaker, will lead efforts within the governor’s office to increase Oregon’s gross domestic product and strengthen the state’s economy.
“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 was eager to take on the new position.
“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 announcement follows Kotek’s unveiling last week of her Prosperity Council, which will advise the administration on economic development strategy. The council is co-chaired by Ampere founder Renee James and Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold and is expected to hold its first meeting later this month.
Knopp brings decades of experience in public service, business leadership and community involvement. A native Oregonian, he has lived in Central Oregon for more than 40 years and has worked in industries ranging from logging in Eastern Oregon to housing and economic development. He has coached Little League baseball and served on boards including the Bend Chamber of Commerce and First Story, a nonprofit focused on affordable housing.
He will step down from his current roles as executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association, which represents more than 800 companies, and as executive director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing.
Knopp served three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005, including as House majority leader. He later served in the Oregon Senate from 2013 to 2025, holding positions as Senate minority leader and as a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, along with several policy committees focused on workforce, health care, education and human services.
His legislative tenure overlapped with Kotek’s time as Speaker of the House, during which they worked together on bipartisan initiatives, including the creation of the Paid Leave Oregon program. Knopp has also served at the federal level, including an appointment to the U.S. Department of Labor’s ERISA Advisory Council under former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.
Throughout his career, Knopp has emphasized fiscal responsibility, workforce development, government relations and support for small businesses and local communities.
Knopp is expected to assume his new role as Chief Prosperity Officer next week.
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