Adam Knapp Leaves Baton Rouge Chamber for CEO Role at Committee of 100 in Louisiana. In a surprising turn of events, Adam Knapp, who has been at the helm of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) since 2008, is set to leave his position as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Knapp’s decision comes as he embarks on a new journey, accepting the prestigious role of Chief Executive Officer at the Committee of 100 for Economic Development (C100) in Louisiana. Let’s delve into this significant leadership transition and explore what it means for the future of economic development in the state.
The Transition: Knapp’s Move to C100
After serving as a driving force behind the Baton Rouge Area Chamber for over a decade, Adam Knapp has chosen to redirect his leadership towards a statewide endeavor. The Committee of 100 for Economic Development, also known as C100, is a coalition comprising influential business executives and university presidents in Louisiana. This organization plays a pivotal role in promoting economic development initiatives throughout the state. Knapp’s appointment as CEO at C100 signifies a fresh chapter in his illustrious career, commencing on November 1, 2023.
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C100’s Vision: Private Sector-Led Economic Growth
C100 has consistently strived to infuse the private sector’s perspective into the realm of economic development. Its mission revolves around collaborating with regional and state economic development entities to catalyze transformative projects. The committee, which boasts CEOs and university presidents among its members, aims to tap into the expertise and resources of the private sector to drive Louisiana’s economic growth.
C100’s Confidence in Knapp
The selection of Adam Knapp as the new CEO of C100 was the culmination of an extensive nationwide search. Committee officials expressed their confidence in Knapp, believing that his vision and energy would invigorate C100’s mission. Wayne Brown, the founder and senior vice president of Brown Builders Inc. of Bossier City and C100 Executive Committee Chair, affirmed, “The vision and energy Adam will bring to C100, coupled with his proven track record of advancing business and industry growth, is exciting for our organization and Louisiana, as a whole.”
A Partner for Economic Development
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In an interview with The Advocate, Knapp revealed that C100 had approached him about the CEO position. He emphasized the potential for collaboration between C100 and the private sector to enhance economic development efforts in the state. Knapp highlighted the importance of engaging the private sector in economic development work, citing successful examples from other states. He expressed his enthusiasm for amplifying the impact of regional organizations across Louisiana through increased private sector involvement.
RESET: A Transformative Policy Platform
One aspect that particularly excited Knapp about his new role was the opportunity to work with RESET, a statewide policy platform developed by C100, the Council for a Better Louisiana, and the Public Affairs Research Council. RESET aims to provide a clear direction for Louisiana’s economic development initiatives by drawing upon the best ideas and strategies from leading organizations statewide. Knapp views RESET as an exciting framework for charting the state’s economic course.
Knapp’s Journey: From Consulting to Public Service
Adam Knapp’s professional journey has been marked by a strong commitment to public service and economic development. A Lake Charles native, Knapp graduated from Davidson College in 1996 and pursued further studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and Julius-Maximilians Universität in Germany. He began his career at the consulting firm Accenture before transitioning to the public sector.
A Legacy of Achievements at BRAC
Reflecting on his tenure at BRAC, Knapp highlighted numerous accomplishments, including over 200 economic development announcements for the region in the last 15 years. He also cited legislative victories related to economic development funding, tax reform, blight law, public safety, and transportation. Knapp took pride in initiatives such as the national talent marketing campaign for young workers, the Drive minority business accelerator, and the transformation of BRAC’s downtown headquarters.
BRAC’s Tribute and Transition Plans
BRAC officials bid a fond farewell to Adam Knapp, recognizing his significant contributions to the organization and the region over the past 15 years. His commitment, leadership, and energy have propelled BRAC to new heights, making it one of the top state economic development organizations in the United States and the South. As Knapp prepares to embark on his new role, BRAC’s board leadership will soon convene to plan for a smooth transition in leadership.
Compensation Details
In terms of compensation, Knapp earned $322,774 as the president and CEO of BRAC in 2021, with an additional $42,677 that year, according to IRS data. In comparison, Michael Olivier earned $300,000 as CEO of C100 in 2022, according to IRS data.
Conclusion
Adam Knapp’s appointment as the CEO of C100 marks a transformative moment in his career and holds great promise for the economic development landscape of Louisiana. With his vision and leadership, Knapp is poised to bring about positive change, fostering economic growth and collaboration across the state. As he takes the reins at C100, all eyes are on him to chart a path towards a brighter economic future for Louisiana.
FAQs
C100, also known as the Committee of 100 for Economic Development, is a statewide coalition comprising influential business executives and university presidents in Louisiana. Its primary mission is to leverage the private sector’s perspective to drive economic development initiatives across the state.
Adam Knapp is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, who graduated from Davidson College in 1996. He pursued further studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and Julius-Maximilians Universität in Germany. He initially worked at the consulting firm Accenture before transitioning to the public sector. Knapp has held advisory roles in state economic development and served as the deputy director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. He joined the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) in 2008, where he served as the president and CEO until his recent appointment as the CEO of C100.
RESET is a statewide policy platform developed by C100 in collaboration with the Council for a Better Louisiana and the Public Affairs Research Council. It aims to provide a clear direction for the state’s economic development initiatives by drawing upon the expertise and insights of the state’s leading organizations.
During his time at BRAC, Adam Knapp celebrated over 200 economic development announcements in the region over 15 years. He also highlighted legislative successes in economic development funding, tax reform, blight law, public safety, and transportation. Knapp mentioned initiatives such as the national talent marketing campaign for young workers, the Drive minority business accelerator, and the transformation of BRAC’s downtown headquarters.
BRAC’s board leadership will convene in the coming days to plan for the leadership transition. Their goal is to identify the best talent to lead the organization, ensuring the continued service to the business community and the Baton Rouge Area.
In 2021, Adam Knapp earned $322,774 as the president and CEO of BRAC, with an additional $42,677 that year, according to IRS data. In comparison, Michael Olivier earned $300,000 as CEO of C100 in 2022, according to IRS data.