Kip Knudson to replace Katz in DC

Kip Knudson has been named director of state and federal relations in the governor’s Washington, D.C., office.

Knudson, of Anchorage, is currently external affairs manager for Tesoro Alaska.

He replaces John Katz, who has served as the governor’s director of state and federal relations for more than 30 years, and is retiring at the end of the year.

“I am pleased to appoint Kip to this vital post — he will be a strong advocate for Alaska,” Parnell said in an Oct. 26 statement. “Kip is familiar with the issues facing our state. He has a strong background with the State of Alaska, the Legislature, and work in the private sector. Because Alaska is so dependent upon effective interaction with the federal government, it is extremely important to have someone as qualified as Kip advocating on Alaska’s behalf.”

Knudson, 47, served as deputy commissioner for aviation with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities from 2003-05. He was the director of marketing for Era Aviation from 1998-2003, and also served as a legislative aide to Representatives Mark Hanley and Loren Leman.

“I am honored to serve the governor and Alaska in our nation’s capital, humbled to follow in John Katz’s footsteps, and excited to advocate in D.C. on behalf of Alaskans,” Knudson said.

Knudson received a Bachelor of Science in foreign service from Georgetown University. He is active in numerous nonprofit and trade organizations including Hospice of Anchorage, Salvation Army, Alaska Oil and Gas Association, Resource Development Council for Alaska and the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce.

—Petroleum News