SPRINGFIELD – Michael R. Knapik, who represented the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire Senate District in the state Senate, was recently appointed as director of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Western Massachusetts Office in Springfield.

Knapik resigned his senate seat in August 2013 to take a senior administrative position at Westfield State University (WSU).

Knapik, three weeks into his new job, said he put feelers out to the Baker Administration  several months ago about a possible return to state government. Until recently, he served as WSU’s executive director of Community Advancement.

Knapik said he was spurred on by his desire to work for a “very creative team,” led by Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “I tried to identify whether it would be a good fit for me within the administration,” he said.

He cited his decades of experience in dealing with Constitutional officers and legislators. With Baker’s victory in 2014, Knapik said he began to mull over possible opportunities in the new administration. Circumstances at WSU, particularly with the university’s foundation and former President Evan Dobelle, delayed Knapik’s decision.

Knapik said the university’s foundation has moved in a positive direction in the last year. They found a new permanent president and the foundation experienced record donations in the past year. With the university on more solid footing, he began to explore, once again, opportunities in state government.
After a series of meetings with the Baker Administration, he accepted the Western Massachusetts directorship.

“I think at the end of the day, they were pleased with what I could offer them and how I could be of assistance,” he said.

Knapik has begun a series of meetings with elected officials in the region’s four counties and the western portion of Worcester County. The meetings focus on the needs of municipalities, especially in the areas of economic development, transportation, housing, the ever growing opioid crisis, and expanding broadband service to rural areas of Western Massachusetts.

He added nearly 250 municipalities have entered into community compact agreements with the Commonwealth. “Those compacts help build stronger relations with the cities and towns and state government,” said Knapik.

His goal is to bridge that 100-mile communication gap between Boston and the farther reaches of Western Massachusetts like North Adams. “The distance creates some challenges for how the administration is able to do their work,” he said. “I’ve become a link in the chain to create more connectedness.”

Knapik will also represent the governor at local events and municipal meetings. He recently spoke on behalf of Baker at the Dr. Suess for President rally in Springfield on Tuesday. Knapik was scheduled to attend an opioid crisis workshop at Mercy Medical Center on Thursday.

He regularly presents reports, findings and concerns to the Baker Administration. “I’m able to be that rapid response individual to get out there where ever it may be,” said Knapik. He credited the administration in listening to his concerns on issues that affect Western Massachusetts.

Knapik said the Baker Administration wants to assure that all residents of the Commonwealth, particularly those who reside in rural areas, concerns are being heard and addressed.

His new role includes working closely with the Western Massachusetts legislative delegation, most of whom are former colleagues. He has begun discussions with delegation around the governor’s proposed legislation and programs.