Liz Knapke

Liz Knapke knows Friends from the inside out. She served as Friends’ Executive & Development Director, and now she’s bringing that experience to the board, helping guide the organization she knows so well.

Liz brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, brand development and community engagement. Before Friends, she led the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance through a period of transformation, growing membership, revitalizing the regional brand and putting the Valley on a national stage. Earlier in her career, she led national marketing and partnership work for Tyson Foods and the American Culinary Federation.

Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from The Ohio State University and is a graduate of Leadership Walla Walla and the Executive Preparation Institute for Nonprofit Leaders. She’s an active community volunteer and believes deeply in the power of mentorship, belonging and relationships that change lives.