A passion for rowing and paddling and a vision for bringing national and international sports to the Oklahoma River have been the driving force behind Mike Knopp’s leadership in developing the Oklahoma City rowing and paddling community, the Boathouse District, national and international sporting events, and ultimately, the master plan development of the Oklahoma River. Originally a practicing attorney, Knopp left his legal career in 2003 to establish the Oklahoma City University varsity rowing program and assume the position of executive director of the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation. Bringing corporate, civic and community leaders together, Mike has led multiple Oklahoma River initiatives establishment of the first boathouse on the newly redeveloped Oklahoma River; development of the $10 million Devon Boathouse and OKC National High Performance Center project; the $6 million Chesapeake Finish Line Tower, which functions as the visitor center to the Boathouse District; and the University of Central Oklahoma Boathouse, RIVERSPORT Adventures, and the Oklahoma City’s $45 million RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater rafting and kayaking center. He has also guided the Oklahoma Regatta Festival and OCU Head of the Oklahoma regatta, established in 2004, which are now recognized as one of the nation’s top rowing races and an innovator in the sport of rowing with the addition of the nation’s first sanctioned night racing, and overseen numerous national and international events, including U.S. Olympic Trials and world championships.