Michael Knowles – Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Along with his wife Dana, Mike began his involvement with Young Life Africa as a member of Committee in 2003. During his time on Committee Mike and his family made numerous trips to Africa witnessing firsthand the work of Young Life. In 2012 Mike retired from a 32-year career in public accounting and joined Young Life staff as the Director of Development for Africa. In 2016 Mike  became the Director of Operations for Africa/Middle East.

Prior to joining Young Life staff, Mike was a Senior Partner at a Silicon Valley CPA and Consulting firm serving venture backed high growth technology companies. Mike was the Partner in Charge of the firm’s audit services and also launched consulting practices to perform business valuation services and help public and private companies strengthen internal controls. Mike’s firm is listed among the top 50 CPA firms in the country.

The challenges of serving high growth companies led by visionary leaders in Silicon Valley prepared Mike well for the demands of serving a mission that is doubling in size every three years. Mike and Dana have three adult children.