McKnight, who will celebrate his tenth anniversary at Belz in April, is involved in the growth of the company, the growth of downtown Memphis and the growth of downtown’s youth.

Ten years ago, McKnight left the Travelers Group in Hartford, Connecticut, to join Belz and live closer to home. Today, as Director of Corporate Risk Management, he oversees all aspects of insurance and risk matters with the company.

The move to Memphis is one he’s glad he made.

"I love the people I work with as well as the unique position that the Belz organization has with the community," he said. "I have the opportunity to work on both the real estate development and the management business as well as the hotel and hospitality business."

Jimmie Williams, CFO of Belz, believes that Randy is a key contributor to the company’s growth. "Randy is truly a great asset to our organization, bringing a high level of professionalism to our Risk Management Department," Williams explained. "He is able to balance the problems of maintaining the proper amount of insurance coverage while keeping costs as low as possible."

McKnight says he enjoys helping the company grow, as well as playing a part in the dynamic resurgence of downtown Memphis over the past decade.

"Supporting the goals of the Belz organization is both interesting and exciting," he said. "It has been particularly gratifying to be a small part of a greater effort to see Downtown grow into what it has become during the past ten years."

"While Downtown redevelopment has been promoted by a significant number of people and organizations, I don’t believe any group has done more for Downtown Memphis than the Belz Organization...and I’m proud to be a small part of that," he said.

McKnight also has been involved in the growth of young minds. He is the chair for the Downtown Porter Boys & Girls Club, an organization that serves the youth of the downtown Memphis area.

"This work is most satisfying because it helps inner city youth obtain a better understanding of their roles in realizing their potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens of the community," he said.

McKnight is an enthusiastic supporter of the University of Memphis, and that goes beyond cheering for its athletic teams. He supports the Insurance and Risk Management program at the school by helping raise money and discussing career opportunities with students.

McKnight and his wife, Lisa, are preparing to celebrate their 20th anniversary. When he gets a chance to relax, he enjoys golf, waterfowl hunting, studying Civil War history and reading.