Powerlist – Shari Knauss – Chief of Staff – Ada County Highway District

In her new role as chief of staff for the Ada County Highway District, Shari Knauss is working closely with a new team and finding new ways of providing customers with service. The organization is growing as are the community’s needs, so Knauss’ major task is to find effective ways to fulfill the mission and implement the philosophy of “Build Together, Build Safe and Build More.”

Knauss served as deputy director and chief human relations officer for the department for 13 years before taking the chief of staff position.

“We have developed and enhanced programs that have touched nearly every segment of our organization,” she said. “Some of the most significant impacts have been in training new employees.”

Knauss’ work in Human Resources has been to provide leadership and support to the team and ensure team members have adequate resources to successfully perform their jobs.

“The HR team leads an extensive recruitment process designed to recruit and retain the best employees to serve our community,” she said. “Seeing the lasting impact on how the ACHD team has benefited our community is extremely rewarding.”

Projects include sidewalks for pedestrians or bike lanes for cyclists, as well as snow removal during the winter.

“The work in Human Resources begins with our people,” Knauss said. “The decision to move into HR provided an incredible opportunity, and I am so grateful for all of the wonderful experiences.”

Having grown up in a small rural community, Knauss said she values and appreciates the sense of community and giving back.