David M. Knezek, Jr. Biography
President David M. Knezek, Jr. joined Henry Ford College in 2026, after serving for five years as the Chief Operating Officer at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan’s largest state agency with a budget of $39 billion and more than 15,000 employees. He maintained oversight of all units within the department, including economic stability programs and office operations, budgeting and accounting, state psychiatric hospitals, information technology, communications, and legislative affairs.
Previously, Knezek served in the Michigan State Legislature as both a State Representative and State Senator, where he represented numerous communities across Wayne County. He served on the education committee throughout his time in office and was a member of the appropriations committee dedicated to community colleges. After his state elected service, Knezek was appointed Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of the Attorney General and elected to the Wayne County Commission.
Knezek started his career by serving our country as a United States Marine for six years, including two deployments overseas. He was honorably discharged with a rank of Sergeant, earning more than 25 medals and awards for his exemplary service and leadership.
Knezek is a lifelong resident of Dearborn Heights and is actively engaged in the Southeast Michigan community. He serves as the Vice President of the Dearborn Heights Goodfellows, is a board member for Special Olympics Michigan, a member of the American Legion, and a Silver Life Member of the Detroit Branch NAACP. In the past, he has served as board chair of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni Society Board, on the board of Starfish Family Services, and as a coach with the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.