New boss takes the helm at SERVS facility
Alyeska Viewpoint
One of Arthur Knolle’s fondest memories was serving aboard the Australian-built replica of Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour. The original Endeavour, captained by James Cook, was famous for Cook’s legendary voyages throughout the Pacific. Knolle’s time aboard the historic replica was short, a mere seven days; however, the knowledge and understanding he gained in that week have lasted him a lifetime. Indeed, for Knolle the experience aboard the Endeavour proved to be a perfect model for how an organization should be structured and managed, a model he plans to bring to Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessels System, known as SERVS.
The Endeavour replica was manned by more than 50 crewmembers. These crewmen had to come together as a team and perform the individual duties that allowed the Endeavour to muscle through the waves of the Pacific: manning the helm, raising and lowering halyards, plotting courses, standing watch, etc. Each task came together in perfect unison and propelled the 368-ton wooden hull of the Endeavour through the Pacific seas. With clear lines of authority and communication, well defined roles, and an unwavering goal of navigating from point A to point B, Knolle and his fellow sailors maneuvered the Endeavour through the shoals and hazards of the Pacific coastline.
“The principles and practices that lead to success in sailing easily lend themselves to leading an organization such as SERVS,” states Knolles. “Team effort propels an organization, and I have the highest confidences in the SERVS team members. They have a proven track record, intimate knowledge of the demands associated with oil spill prevention and response, and the hard earned experience that will ensure the continued success of SERVS.”
“I also recognize the core of SERVS’ success has been its relationships with its regulators and organizations such as the PWSRCAC,” continues Knolle. “I plan to continue this strategy of partnership that has contributed to Alyeska’s success.”
In addition to his seamanship and nautical enthusiasm, Knolle brings extensive knowledge and management skills to the role of the SERVS Director, from leadership experience in the technology industry of Silicon Valley, to mining and mineral processing, and to both on-shore and off-shore petroleum operations.
Knolle comes to Alaska from Gilroy, California. His educational background includes a Master ofBusiness Administration degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Knolle is especially happy to return to Alaska where he lived in the mid-1980s while attending the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Knolle and his wife, Carol, have three teenage children and will live in Valdez.
Knolle will play a critical role as the SERVS Director indeveloping and implementing future strategies for the organization. The duties and responsibilities of his new position began effective August 10.