Jim Knowlton serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHW), where he is dedicated to advancing the vision to “foster restoration, resilience, community, and lasting connections in our Veteran’s journey towards healing.” His passion for supporting Veterans inspired his move to PHW, and he is proud to serve those who have served and excited by the vibrant community that defines PHW. Jim’s lifelong commitment to leadership and service aligns perfectly with PHW’s mission of healing through the therapeutic art of fly fishing.
Upon graduation from West Point where he was the captain of the Army Hockey Team, Jim served 26 years on active duty in the U.S. Army, including multiple assignments in Europe, time at Ft Bragg, the Pentagon, Ft. Carson, Iraq, and the United States Military Academy where he taught Civil Engineering after earning his advanced degree at Cornell University. He devoted himself to serving his soldiers and their families at every post, taking pride in seeing them thrive as they developed throughout their service and beyond. In his final assignment, he served as the interim athletics director at West Point before retiring. After retiring from the Army, Jim sought new ways to foster leadership and community, which led him to a career in college athletics.
Jim began an 18-year career in college athletics, serving as the athletics director at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), the United States Air Force Academy, and then spending his last seven years at the University of California, Berkeley. His student-athletes achieved significant success on the fields, in classrooms, and in preparing for life after college. Jim enjoyed seeing them thrive as professionals, whether in sports, the Olympics, or their chosen careers.
Throughout his career, Jim has consistently emphasized leadership and character development, whether working with soldiers or student-athletes. He is excited to serve PHW Veterans, knowing that his experience and values reinforce PHW’s mission to empower Veterans through restoration, resilience, and community.
Jim and his wife of 43 years have five sons and ten (soon to be eleven) grandchildren and he enjoys golfing, flyfishing, ice hockey and time with his growing family.