Jim Knutson

“Working alongside Jim Knutson was an extraordinary experience, and I am continually impressed by his ability to lead large teams across ITIL, infrastructure, telecommunications, and field engineering toward achieving ambitious goals. As both a customer of Jim’s team’s services and as his peer when I moved into the Corporate IT team, Jim consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills that united these specialized disciplines under a shared vision of excellence. One of the most impressive examples of Jim’s leadership was during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of unprecedented challenges, Jim led the swift and seamless implementation of remote work capabilities for a workforce of over 4,000. His ability to coordinate across ITIL processes, infrastructure teams, telecommunications systems, and field engineering resources ensured that the transition was efficient, secure, and scalable. From deploying advanced collaboration tools to ensuring the services that ran our organization, Jim’s strategic foresight and execution were instrumental in keeping operations running smoothly during a critical time. But it’s not all work and no play with Jim. He has a knack for keeping the mood light with his famous “Patented Rules” – a blend of wisdom and humor that have become legendary among his teams. Whether it’s “Rule #47: Don’t sweat the small stuff, unless it’s on fire,” or “Rule #12: If in doubt, ask the person who actually read the manual,” Jim knows how to inject just the right amount of levity into high-pressure situations. This unique ability to balance focus with humor fosters a positive, energetic culture that makes working with him a truly enjoyable experience. Beyond his humor, Jim’s leadership style is deeply inclusive and empowering. His clear communication and ability to foster trust and accountability across ITIL, infrastructure, telecommunications, and field engineering teams have built a culture of excellence and innovation. Jim’s teams are not only high-performing but also deeply motivated, thanks to his investment in their growth and development. Whether spearheading transformational projects or navigating complex challenges, Jim consistently delivers results with precision and professionalism. His leadership has been pivotal in achieving Associated Bank’s milestones, operationally keeping the lights on, and providing strong support to the colleagues. I wholeheartedly recommend Jim for any leadership role or partnership. His unique combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, humor, and proven ability to manage and inspire multidisciplinary teams would be a tremendous asset to any organization.”

“I had the pleasure of working with Jim Knutson for five years at Associated Bank and I can confidently say he is one of the most exceptional leaders I have ever worked for. Jim possesses a combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and an ability to recognize and motivate teammates. His dedication to excellence, coupled with a genuine concern for the well-being of his employees, creates a work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to perform at their best. During the pandemic Jin demonstrated remarkable leadership in organizing to send colleagues home while working through supply chain issues to provide IT equipment needed to allow employees to work remotely. His insightful decision-making, coupled with an unwavering commitment to the company's goals, not only achieved the necessary functional outcomes, but also fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation. Furthermore, Jim is an excellent mentor who invests time in the development of his team. He provides constructive feedback, encourages continuous learning, and always leads by example. Those traits are what inspired me to come work for him after having known him many years earlier at M&I Bank. In summary, Jim is an accomplished leader with an outstanding track record. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under his guidance and wholeheartedly recommend him for any leadership role.”