SPRINGFIELD — Former state Sen. Michael Knapik will head Gov. Charlie Baker’s Springfield office and be a primary liaison with constituents and communities in western Massachusetts.
He will begin those duties July 5, according to a statement from Baker’s office.
“With more than two decades of experience representing Western Massachusetts constituents, Mike is exceptionally qualified to lead our Springfield Office,” Baker 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.”
In the same statement, Knapik said he was excited to join the administration and begin working with people across western Massachusetts again.
“Western Massachusetts has a lot to offer and I look forward to playing an active role in our communities and the overall conversation with the rest of Massachusetts on behalf of the administration,” he said.
Knapik, a Republican from Westfield, was a representative from 1991 to 1994 and a senator from 1995 until 2013. His Second Hampden and Hampshire Senate district included Easthampton and Southampton.
He left the Legislature to work as the executive director of advancement, alumni, and university relations at Westfield State University, and executive director for the Westfield State Foundation.