Paul Knapp

Paul Knapp is a Chicago based senior executive of DST Systems, Inc (DST), a publicly held, New York Stock Exchange listed corporation. With headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri and operations around the world, DST offers sophisticated information processing and computer software services to corporate and institutional customers. DST is the world's leading third party mutual fund shareholder record keeping and customer service organization. Mr. Knapp joined DST in 1997 as president and chief executive of DST Catalyst, an international software and consulting business serving securities exchanges and securities brokerage firms.

Mr. Knapp is president and chief executive of Vermont Western Assurance, a property and casualty insurance company formed and owned by DST. Vermont Western provides insurance to DST and its affiliates and provides specialty insurance programs in conjunction with various DST businesses. Mr. Knapp also serves on the boards of other DST owned companies and participates in management direction and oversight of several DST companies, particularly international and insurance aspects of their businesses.

Prior to joining DST Systems Mr. Knapp was chairman, president and chief executive of Catalyst Institute and Catalyst Consulting, which he founded in 1991. Those organizations were internationally recognized for their independent research, policy expertise, and consulting on the development and operations of global financial markets. Catalyst Institute and Catalyst Consulting served governments, exchanges, and financial institutions around the world. Mr. Knapp joined DST Systems when it acquired Catalyst Consulting in 1997.

From 1989 to 1991 Mr. Knapp was partner, president and chief executive officer of Kessler Asher Group, a Chicago based securities, options and futures trading, brokerage, and clearing firm.

Mr. Knapp worked with the Kemper Group of insurance and financial services companies for 20 years, ultimately serving as director, senior vice president and chief financial, operations and administrative officer of Kemper Financial Services (KFS), a major mutual fund and institutional investment management company and of Kemper Investor's Life Insurance Company, a major provider of investment oriented annuity products.

He serves on the board of directors of J.E. Dunn Vermont Assurance, Inc. and from 1995 to 2003 served on the board of directors of the Berger family of mutual funds.

Mr. Knapp received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Administration from California State University, Chico in 1970 and graduated Magna Cum Laude with an MBA in Finance from The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 1977. He holds the professional designation of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter.

He is an elected Community Representative on the Local School Council for Chicago's William B. Ogden Elementary School, President of the Board of Friends of Ogden, a member of the board and treasurer of Chicago's TimeLine Theatre, and is involved in and a supporter of other Chicago community, arts and political activities. Through Children International, Mr. Knapp and his wife initiated and have supported a four-year college funding program for students in the Philippines. Mr. Knapp has previously served on the boards of the Chicago Capital Fund, a community investment fund, and Allendale Association, a residential treatment facility for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children.

Mr. Knapp, a native of California, and his wife, Nancy, a native of Ohio, live in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. Between them they have five grown children.