Bend’s Tim Knopp named Oregon’s new Chief Prosperity Officer

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek has appointed former Oregon State Senator Tim Knopp of Bend as the state’s new Chief Prosperity Officer - a key role aimed at growing Oregon’s economy, creating good-paying jobs, and supporting local businesses.

Kotek announced the appointment Tuesday, saying Knopp’s business background and decades of public service make him well-suited for the position. “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 in a statement. “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, a lifelong Oregonian and longtime Central Oregon resident, served in the Legislature for more than two decades: first in the Oregon House from 1999 to 2005, and later in the Oregon Senate from 2013 until his retirement in 2025. During his time in the Senate, he represented much of Deschutes County and served as Senate Minority Leader.

His tenure also included a high-profile role in the 2023 Republican walkout that stalled the legislative session for weeks and later triggered enforcement of Ballot Measure 113, which barred several senators, including Knopp, from seeking re-election after accruing too many unexcused absences. Supporters framed the walkout as a stand on principle over controversial legislation, while critics said it undermined the democratic process.

In addition to his public service, Knopp has deep ties to the Central Oregon business community. He currently serves as executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association, representing more than 800 local companies, and as executive director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing, a Bend-based nonprofit focused on housing solutions. He said he’ll be stepping down from both roles as he takes on this new statewide 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,” Knopp said.

The creation of the Chief Prosperity Officer position is part of Kotek’s broader “Prosperity Roadmap” initiative — a strategic effort to boost Oregon’s GDP and expand opportunities for businesses and workers statewide. Knopp will also play a key role in supporting the governor’s newly formed Prosperity Council, which includes business leaders like Ampere founder Renee James and Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold.

Knopp, who has lived in Central Oregon for more than 40 years, has also served on local boards including the Bend Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit First Story.

He’s expected to assume his new role in the governor’s office next week.