Paul Knapp
About Paul Knapp
Paul Knapp is a Director with extensive experience in governance, finance, and law, currently serving in multiple leadership roles across various organizations in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area.
Education and Expertise
Paul Knapp achieved his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 1970. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of St. Thomas, awarded in 1970. These academic credentials have laid a strong foundation for his expansive career in law, finance, and corporate governance.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
Paul Knapp holds several key positions. He serves as a Board Member at Twin Cities St. Vincent de Paul since 2020, focusing on community service in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. He also founded and presides over the Private Directors Association Minneapolis | St. Paul. Since 2018, he has been a Director at Highland Bank, and since 2017, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School where he teaches Principles of Governance.
Previous Positions and Experience
Paul Knapp has an extensive professional history, including roles as Vice President at The Vomela Companies (2013-2020) and Board Member, Past Chair, and President at NACD (2012-2020). Other notable positions include Chairman at Homes For Heroes (2012-2014) and Rapid Diagnostek (2006-2014), Board Member at Venture Bank (2001-2018), and Board Member at Avenet (2000-2021).
Career and Professional Achievements
Throughout his career, Paul Knapp has been involved in numerous achievements. Notably, he was recognized as a Twin Cities Director of the Year by the Twin Cities Business Journal. He served as Director of Operations for a century-old family business, transforming it significantly with updated management, infrastructure, and strategy. These roles demonstrate his impactful contributions to various organizations and his expertise in strategic leadership.
Background and Early Influence
Paul Knapp grew up in Iowa as one of ten children. His early understanding of family business dynamics was shaped by his father, who was CFO of a publicly held but family-controlled business. This background provided Paul with unique insights and a foundational understanding of business operations and governance from a young age.