Former State Representative and Senator Mike Knapik, will speak to the Springfield Rotary Club's luncheon meeting on Friday, September 15, 2017. Knapik is the director of Governor Charlie Baker's Springfield office.
 
Governor Baker, a Republican, said in a statement. "Operating the office is one of the many essential tools we use to maintain an important relationship with the people, local leaders and municipalities of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties." Knapik served in the state Senate for 18 years, beginning in 1995, and was a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
 
Knapik served Westfield and eleven surrounding communities in the Massachusetts Legislature for twenty-two years, first as a Representative from 1991 to 1994 and then as a Senator from 1995 to 2013. Born and raised in Westfield, he began his career in public service on the city's school committee from 1986 to 1990.  Since leaving the Legislature, Knapik has served Westfield State University as the Executive Director of Advancement, Alumni, and University Relations and as the Executive Director for the Westfield State Foundation.  In this position, his office has achieved the highest level of giving in the history of Westfield State University.