Community Leader Harvey Knell Named to POPS Post

Harvey G. Knell, a prominent business executive and influential San Gabriel Valley community leader, has been elected president of the board of directors of The Pasadena POPS Orchestra, one of Southern California’s most prominent musical organizations.

Knell, who has more than 35 years of business experience, is president of KCB Management, a boutique asset management firm based in Pasadena, which controls a substantial portfolio of operating businesses, real estate investments and publicly traded securities.

Previously, he was chief executive officer and president of Grace Home Centers West, operator of 90 home improvement centers in the western U.S. and also was president and CEO of Ole’s Home Centers, Inc., once one of the country’s largest privately-owned home improvement chains.

“We cannot over-state the importance of Harvey Knell becoming a key component of our organization,” said John Hancock, executive director of The Pasadena POPS. “His business and leadership experience, insights and wisdom will be vital assets as we continue to mature and develop the orchestra and its educational programs.”

The new officers of the orchestra’s board also include Eric Rodli of La Cañada Flintridge, vice president; Henry Reed of Pasadena, treasurer; and Lorie McKenzie of La Cañada Flintridge, secretary.

Knell, a resident of Pasadena, together with his wife Ellen has restored the historical Robert R. Blacker House designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene.

He is on the board of the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, where he previously served as a president, and also recently served on the international board of trustees of the B’nai B’rith Youth organization.

Knell earned his masters of business administration from Columbia University in 1968.

“I plan to devote my full energy to building and developing on the POPS’ solid foundation, to ensure its sound financial footing by expanding development efforts, employing a new strategic plan and expanding the board of directors,” said Knell. “I want to set a course that will solidify the future of this very vital musical organization and the creative education programs that are so important to our schools and children.”

The Pasadena POPS Orchestra was founded in 1987, as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the finest live musical entertainment. It has been performing in Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, where it will launch its 13th season June 23, under the musical direction of Maestra Rachael Worby, its leader since 2000.Harvey Knelllso-pops.knell.0601.jpg-BPhotoInfoT01RFOV520060601j0397cnc(LA)