STATE SEN. MICHAEL KNAPIK
WESTFIELD – After more than two decades in office, state Sen. Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield) is leaving his seat in the Senate for another public service position at Westfield State University (WSU).
Knapik will officially resign this Friday to become WSU’s executive director of university advancement, a position he begins Monday.
Knapik said this morning that the WSU opportunity was one he could not pass up.
“There comes a point when a professional opportunity presents itself and it’s time to seize it. I’m looking forward to helping the university in its intent to become a larger presence here,” Knapik said.
While he is excited about his new endeavor, Knapik said it was not a decision that came easily. Serving his district for 23 years, Knapik has made many friends and helped countless residents and businesses. He has not taken the confidence of his supporters lightly.
“I want to thank my constituents,” he said. “I will miss them.”
Knapik said every day has been different, another aspect of life as a senator that he will miss.
“I have been able to be a steward for the residents for two decades and I enjoy helping people,” Knapik said. “There have been big issues – and the smallest of issues – and I have enjoyed being a custodian of the votes.”
Knapik said he hopes he has done a “credible job” for his constituents and added that he would also miss his colleagues, though he expects to work with them in his new position.
“I think in Westfield we are blessed to have a college here,” said Knapik. “The opportunities created by a public college are invaluable.”
As executive director of advancement, Knapik will assist the university president and the Westfield State Foundation, Inc. board in advancing the university in its’ mission and will be accountable for working effectively with friends, community leaders, employees, donors, and students from various and diverse backgrounds.
“I know of no other public figure in Massachusetts more widely regarded for his bi-partisanship and resolute integrity than the Senator,” said WSU President Evan S. Dobelle. “I was not involved in this selection process until the search committee presented him as a finalist, and his interview with them and me was extraordinary. His passion for Westfield State and his personal reputation and leadership will bring the Foundation, as we begin our 175th anniversary celebration, to never before seen success.”
Since 2001, Knapik has served as the ranking Republican member of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. In this position, Knapik was part of the prestigious House-Senate Conference Committee charged with reconciling the Annual State Budget and other spending plans. Having now done twelve budgets, Knapik has served on more budget conference committees than any other current member of the Massachusetts legislature.
In addition to serving on the Senate Committee on Ways & Means, Knapik also served on the Senate Committees on Ethics & Rules and Bonding, Capital Expenditures & State Assets. He was a member of six joint legislative committees as well as the Joint Committees on Revenue, Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Public Service, Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy, and Veteran and Federal Affairs.
“I want to thank President Dobelle and the Westfield State Foundation Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve as executive director for university advancement,” said Knapik. “Westfield State University has played an increasingly important role in our region and our Commonwealth and those who are called upon to assist in its stewardship and advancement have an obligation to ensure it continues to provide unparalleled access for our state’s students. The educational opportunities provided to these students will ensure a strong foundation as they enter and continue in the world of work. I will strive to carry on the strong legacy envisioned by the school’s founder, Horace Mann, 175 years ago.”
Knapik was sworn in for his tenth term as the State Senator from the Second Hampden & Hampshire District on Jan. 2, 2013. The district includes the cities of Agawam, Chicopee (Ward 7, Precincts 9A and 8A), Easthampton, Holyoke, and Westfield; and the Towns of Granville, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, Southwick, and Tolland.
Prior to being elected to the Senate, Knapik served two terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the citizens of Westfield and Montgomery. Knapik was first elected to public office in 1985 as a member of the Westfield School Committee. He was 22 at the time. He also worked on the staff of former House Minority Leader Steven D. Pierce of In 2012, he celebrated 25 years in public service and also was honored for his “Outstanding Community Spirit” by the American Red Cross-Greater Westfield Chapter.
Knapik holds a B.A. in Political Science from Holy Cross. He previously served two terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the citizens of Westfield and Montgomery, and on the Westfield School Committee.
In 2012 Knapik was honored by the American Red Cross-Greater Westfield Chapter for his “Outstanding Community Spirit” and 25 years in public service. He has been previously recognized by many local and statewide organizations including the “Environmental Leadership Award” from the Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association, “Legislator of the Year” by the Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers and the “Americanism Award” by the Easthampton Dalton-Lavallee American Legion Post 224 for his support of veterans causes.
