Chris Sorensen is a seasoned outdoor recreation leader who brings nearly 20 Years of expertise to guiding the Foundation’s growth in rowing and paddlesports. Mike Knopp will focus on international relationships and events in the run-up to 2028
OKLAHOMA CITY (February 11, 2025) – RIVERSPORT has announced Chris Sorensen as its new executive director. Sorensen, an accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience in outdoor recreation and sports management, joins RIVERSPORT as the organization continues to expand its world-class facilities, operations, and programming for athletes ranging from novice to Olympic Hopefuls in rowing and paddlesports.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to RIVERSPORT,” said Gene Hopper, Chair of the RIVERSPORT Foundation Board. “His proven leadership in complex sporting environments and community engagement, including some of the largest outdoor recreation operations in the country, aligns perfectly with our mission to grow Oklahoma City’s presence as a global hub for rowing and paddlesports.”
Sorensen brings a wealth of experience from his time with Vail Resorts, where he held leadership roles overseeing resort operations, guest experience, and community engagement. Notably, he served at Keystone Resort, the fifth busiest ski resort in the U.S., where he was instrumental in developing innovative guest experiences, operational efficiencies and destination growth strategies. His expertise in managing large-scale outdoor sports facilities will be invaluable in furthering RIVERSPORT’s mission of making outdoor recreation accessible to all while attracting top-tier national and international events to Oklahoma City.
“I’m honored to join RIVERSPORT at such a pivotal time in its growth,” said Sorensen. “With an incredible team, world-class facilities, and a thriving community of athletes, we are poised to elevate Oklahoma City’s reputation as a premier destination for rowing and paddlesports. I look forward to leading RIVERSPORT into this exciting next chapter.”
Knopp Named Founder
As part of this transition, RIVERSPORT visionary and founding Executive Director Mike Knopp will assume the role of Founder, allowing him to leverage his international relationships and focus on the attraction, retention, and growth of elite national and international rowing and paddlesports events in Oklahoma City. Knopp expressed, “I’m proud of the momentum RIVERSPORT continues to have and excited to continue my work to put OKC’s RIVERSPORT on the world stage as we prepare for the Olympic Games in 2028.”
The next four years are critical for RIVERSPORT’s growing position as an international destination for elite paddlesports and rowing events. Knopp’s efforts will be crucial in maintaining and strengthening RIVERSPORT’s partnerships with USRowing, the American Canoe Association, and the International Canoe Federation, as well as supporting Oklahoma City’s role in world-class competitions, including its status as the venue for canoe slalom and kayak cross for the LA28 Olympic Games (pending final approval by the LA City Council). Other upcoming international events include ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking events in 2025 and 2027 and the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
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