Kurt Knappen was sworn into office as a Ward III Councilmember in
January 2020.
Kurt is a lifelong resident of Johnson County and has
lived in Shawnee for more than 23 years. He graduated from Shawnee
Mission North High School in 1993 and the University of Kansas with a
degree in Communications – Public Relations. Kurt has worked in the
pharmaceutical industry for over 28 years. He works as an Oncology
Territory Manager for Takeda Oncology.
Kurt previously served as
Treasurer of the Johnson County Republican Party, served on the Lenexa
Parks and Recreation Board, and earned two “keys to the city” for
volunteer work in Lenexa, KS.
Kurt was elected Shawnee City Council
President in December 2023. He currently serves on the Shawnee Economic
Development Council; the Shawnee Employee Benefits Task Force and he is
an active member with the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. Kurt also
dedicated time to the Technical Committee for the recently approved
Shawnee Comprehensive Plan.
Kurt and his wife Terri met at Shawnee
Mission North and recently celebrated 28 years of marriage. Terri works
as a para-professional for the USD-232 School District. Kurt and Terri
are members of Westside Family Church and both frequently volunteer
within the Mill Valley community. Kurt also coached more than 30
seasons of youth football, soccer and wrestling. He has served as the
Director of the Kid's Hope Mentor Program for the Prairie Ridge area and
as a Board Member for the Grey Oaks Homes Association.
Their daughter,
Lexi, is a 3rd Grade teacher at Riverview Elementary within USD232.
Their son, Cole, is attending Washburn University on a football
scholarship as a Defensive End and will soon graduate with a Business
Degree.
In his free time, Kurt loves spending time with his wife, kids
and adopted Labrador. He also enjoys kayaking, skeet shooting, and
biking the many trails throughout Shawnee.