Keith Knudsen

Distinguished Service to SSA Award | 2017 Recipient

Keith Knudsen of the U.S. Geological Survey is recognized for his nine years of service as Secretary for SSA. In their nomination of Knudsen for the award, five past presidents of SSA commended him for his advice on multiple issues related to SSA operations and for his work in a demanding role for the Society, carried out from 2007 to 2016.

In particular, Knudsen was recognized for his work in reviewing and updating the SSA Bylaws and Board Policy manual, his role as chair of the Management Committee in instituting a more formal annual review of the Society’s Executive Director and in serving as a member of the 2015 Executive Director Search Committee, and his role in developing a new strategic plan for SSA in 2012.

As Secretary, Knudsen was tasked with reporting the actions of the SSA Executive Committee to the SSA Board and representing the Executive Committee to the Budget and Headquarters Management Committees. He also worked with the Executive Director and legal counsel to ensure compliance with the Society’s bylaws and policies.

Knudsen has been the Deputy Director of the Earthquake Science Center at the U.S. Geological Survey at Menlo Park since 2011. He graduated with a B.A. in geology from Carleton College in 1983 and received his M.S. in environmental systems/ geology in 1989 from Humboldt State University. He continues to serve as a member of the SSA Government Relations Committee.

When informed of his receipt of this award, Knudsen said, “I’m delighted to be recognized in this way. I very much value the time I spent serving as SSA’s Secretary, and hope to maintain the relationships I formed with so many others involved in the leadership of SSA. I learned a great deal from my colleagues in this volunteer role, and I encourage others to consider volunteering for other roles with SSA.”