Former Oregon Lawmaker Tapped as Governor's Chief Prosperity Officer

Tim Knopp, known for leading Republican walkout, will work to boost state's business environment

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has appointed former state Senator Tim Knopp as her new chief prosperity officer, tasking him with finding ways to ease burdens on businesses and stem recent job losses in the state. Knopp, a Republican, is known for leading a six-week walkout of Senate Republicans during the 2023 legislative session that shut down much of the legislature's work.

Why it matters

Kotek's selection of Knopp for this role has drawn surprise in business circles, as he does not have an extensive background in economic development. However, the governor is hoping Knopp's unique skillset and experience can help improve Oregon's business environment, which recently ranked 39th in the country according to a CNBC study.

The details

In his new role, Knopp will work alongside a 16-member 'prosperity council' tasked with recommending policy changes to make it easier to build and grow businesses in Oregon. He will also look for actions the governor can take on her own to assist businesses. Knopp is departing his current role as executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association to join the governor's team.

  • In December 2025, Governor Tina Kotek announced that Oregon was open for business.
  • On February 4, 2026, Kotek announced that she is hiring former state Sen. Tim Knopp as her new chief prosperity officer.
  • Knopp will start his new role next week, earning $191,658 a year.

The players

Governor Tina Kotek

The Democratic governor of Oregon who is tasking Knopp with finding ways to ease burdens on businesses and stem recent job losses in the state.

Tim Knopp

A former Republican state senator from Bend, Oregon, known for leading a six-week walkout of Senate Republicans during the 2023 legislative session that shut down much of the legislature's work. He will now serve as Kotek's new chief prosperity officer.

Central Oregon Builders Association

The organization where Knopp currently serves as executive vice president, a role he will depart to join the governor's team.

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What they’re saying

“To be successful, this role demands a unique set of skills — an entrepreneurial spirit, a systems thinker, and equal parts pragmatism and persistence. 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.”

— Governor Tina Kotek (The Nugget Newspaper)

“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.”

— Tim Knopp (The Nugget Newspaper)

What’s next

Knopp will begin his new role as chief prosperity officer next week, working alongside Kotek's 16-member prosperity council to recommend policy changes to improve Oregon's business environment.

The takeaway

Kotek's selection of the Republican Knopp for this key economic development role has raised eyebrows, given his history of clashing with the governor. However, the governor is hoping Knopp's unique skillset and experience can help improve Oregon's lagging business climate and achieve her goal of getting the state into the top 10 for overall business environment.