Meredith Knopp is known for her resilience and ability to have calm and clarity in the face of challenges. “People have often asked me if I have always had thick skin – how I can handle so much,” she said. “I have always been able to find peace and clarity in chaos.”
This quality has aided her well as the president and CEO of the St. Louis Area Foodbank, a nonprofit with a mission to build a stronger bi-state region by nourishing people, empowering communities and transforming systems.
“Our current economic situation has continued to put strain on family budgets, and as a food bank, we are the safety net when things go sideways,” said Knopp. “We continue to challenge our thinking by seeking feedback from people living with food insecurity, on how we might do better to support them during their time of need.”
The organization has continued to think outside the box by offering programs and delivery models as well as food boxes and medically-tailored food boxes. The St. Louis Area Foodbank has also entered into a partnership with SSM Health to expand its model at the Des Peres Hospital with an on-site pantry and screening for food insecurity. The plan is to expand into seven SSM locations this year.
Since she was named a Titan 100 last year, Knopp said the greatest area of growth has been engaging in courageous and critical conversations with leaders. “We are really leaning in to create safe spaces for everyone to express their opinions, finding ways to respectfully challenge opinions so team members continue to contribute while building their EQ,” she said. “Team members want to feel inspired, protected, heard and know that they can trust their leaders.”
Personally, Knopp has continued to pursue opportunities to mentor the next generation of leaders across the community. She serves as a mentor for Mentoring Mondays with the St. Louis Business Journal and authored a chapter in an upcoming book on Tenacity. She continues to speak about food insecurity and hosts elementary school sessions to talk about the importance of service, giving back and making your communities stronger.
“Being recognized as a titan was a tremendous honor and truly humbling,” said Knopp. “There are so many wonderful, inspiring leaders in the St. Louis region, and having the ability to connect with people that I do not normally interact with has been both energizing and helpful.”
For her energy and leadership to the St. Louis Food Bank and the St. Louis community, Knopp has earned the title of a Titan 100 for the second year.