Partner, KNP Communications
Gloucester, MA
Years of Service: 2016–2026

Emma A. Sprague is a partner of KNP Communications, a private firm that specializes in helping its clients become outstanding communicators. Emma coaches teams and individuals across sectors — from students and startups to leading companies, experts, authors, advocacy groups, and foundations. KNP’s methods employ evidence-based insights from social science as well as techniques from professional and performance contexts that help clients develop new skills, feel empowered in front of any audience, and learn to coach themselves. Emma previously founded Upswing Strategies, which merged with KNP in January 2023.

Emma graduated from Bates cum laude with a degree in art and visual culture and a minor in economics. At Bates, she was active in the Admission Office and Peer Writing Center, and was a member of the Strange Bedfellows improv comedy group. She received the 2012 Bates’ Best Award and 2015 Distinguished Young Alumni Award for her passion and commitment to Bates and her leadership and organization in the young alumni community. Before joining the Bates Board of Trustees, Emma was a member of the Alumni Council. As an entrepreneur and business-owner, Emma works closely with the Bobcat Ventures program.

Emma completed her MPA at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in May 2022.