As the eldest child of The Trust Company’s founder and CEO, Mark Knackendoffel, Ellen is honored to play a role in the future of the company she grew up with. As Business Development & Marketing Officer, she is passionate about strengthening relationships, supporting growth, and staying closely connected to the communities The Trust Company serves.

“It’s a great feeling to know that I can influence people to discover a path toward reaching their goals and achieving financial peace of mind.”

Ellen earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University, with dual majors in Finance and Accounting and a Certificate of Integrated Investment Management. She began her career in accounting and most recently served as a Development Officer for the KSU Foundation. She is a 2023 graduate of Leadership Manhattan and was named to the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 20 Under 40 list.

Ellen is deeply committed to philanthropy and active involvement in the community she calls home. She currently serves on the boards of the Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice Foundation, Fairy Godmothers, the No Stone Unturned Foundation, Sunset Zoo Trustees, and is a Greater Manhattan Community Foundation Young Trustee. Ellen also chairs the Chamber Women in Business board and is actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Manhattan Country Club, and HYPE. Through these roles, she enjoys supporting organizations that strengthen the community and create meaningful, lasting impact.

Ellen’s claim to fame is that her high school golf team won the Kansas state title her senior year—a love of the game that continues today, often serving as a favorite way to connect with others. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and unwinding with her wine club over a good bottle of red and even better conversation.

Ellen is a stockholder of The Trust Company.