ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters, awarded St. Louis, Missouri, resident and St. Paul District civil engineer Michelle Kniep for its Corps of Engineer’s 2025 Noel Clay Planning Champion Award.
The Noel Clay Planning Champion Award recognizes a Corps of Engineers employee that exhibits leadership, support and encouragement of planners and planning teams. Kniep was selected for her dedication and leadership of the Corps of Engineers’ Flood Risk Management Planning Center of Expertise during a vulnerable period of organizational change.
As a flood risk management technical expert for the center, Kniep has been instrumental in tracking funding, leading meetings and shaping the future direction of the organization, said Elisa Royce, Kneip’s supervisor. She played a vital role in ensuring the center met its commitments to milestones.
“Michelle’s expertise has rightfully made her a sought-after national resource, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her impact within the Corps of Engineers,” Royce said. “Winning the award underscores her leadership and the high standard of excellence she brings to our team every day."
Kniep has worked for the Corps of Engineers for 30 years. She currently sits in the St. Louis District.
The St. Paul District serves the American public in the areas of environmental enhancement, navigation, flood risk management, water and wetlands regulation, recreation and disaster response. Our employees work at 49 sites in five Upper Midwest states.
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