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DEL.ICIO.USJohn Knapp leaving Atlanta for Birmingham
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta native John Knapp, founder and director of the Southern Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility, is joining the faculty of Samford University in Birmingham starting July 1.
Knapp will become the Mann Family Professor of Ethics and Leadership and serve as director of the Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership. Marvin Mann, founder of the Lexmark Inc. and an alum of Samford, founded the center in honor of his late wife.
“I wasn’t looking, but this opportunity came up,” Knapp told me today. He added that the timing of this opportunity worked well. “My work here has reached a stage where I can step away and start something new.”
Knapp, who has five children with the oldest at Georgia State, said the move will be a big change. But, despite the views that most Atlantans have of the Alabama city, he said he’s been impressed with Birmingham. “They have remade that city,” he said.
Knapp has served as director of the center for more than 15 years, forging relationships with some of the top executives and companies in the state. The center recently merged with Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College College of Business.
Stepping into Knapp’s role will be Steve Olson, associate director of the center who was a fellow co-founder of the organization.
“For that reason I have never been more enthusiastic about the future of the center,” Knapp wrote friends in an email announcing his new contact information.
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Comments
By Alan Ulman
June 18, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
I admire John. He has a moral compass, and he follows it.
By Melinda Mobley
June 18, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
I have known John since we were in school together at Decatur High School as well as college at Georgia State. I wish great things for both he and his wonderful family. We’ll miss seeing you at those high school football games!!!
By Melinda Mobley
June 18, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
I have known John since we were in school together at Decatur High School as well as college at Georgia State. I wish great things for both he and his wonderful family. We’ll miss seeing you at those high school football games!!!
By Donna Fleishman
June 18, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Congratulations, John. Atlanta’s loss is Birmingham’s gain and they are fortunate to have you. You are a true gentleman and scholar of the South. Best, Donna E. Fleishman
By William Pate
June 18, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
John’s vision and leadership have left Atlanta with a great legacy in the Southern Center for Ethics. He will now go on to do great things for Birmingham.
By Dick Hodges
June 19, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
It’s been my privilege to know John Knapp for well over 25 years, first when he was a GSU student, later in PRSA, and then as a colleague in his p.r. firm after retiring from the Liller Neal ad and p.r. firm and its successors. Then it was my honor and privilege to work with John and his associates on the board of the Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics almost from its beginning. There are few Atlantans more admirable and forward thinking than this exceedingly bright young man. Atlanta’s loss is truly Birmingham and Samford University’s gain. He will be missed, but he has left the legacy of the GSU Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility that should go on serving our city under able new leadership.
By Dick Hodges
June 19, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
It’s been my privilege to know John Knapp for well over 25 years, first when he was a GSU student, later in PRSA, and then as a colleague in his p.r. firm after retiring from the Liller Neal ad and p.r. firm and its successors. Then it was my honor and privilege to work with John and his associates on the board of the Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics almost from its beginning. There are few Atlantans more admirable and forward thinking than this exceedingly bright young man. Atlanta’s loss is truly Birmingham and Samford University’s gain. He will be missed, but he has left the legacy of the GSU Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility that should go on serving our city under able new leadership.