Minorities in Business hires new executive director

Minorities in Business hired a banking industry veteran as its executive director.

Effective July 1, Darline Mabins joined the networking and advocacy group from Arvest Bank, where she worked for 17 years as a branch sales manager and regional branch manager, according to a news release. She succeeds Samuel G. Knox, who exited the organization in February to focus on his monthly newspaper, Unite of Southwest Missouri.

“MIB, as well as our local business community, are fortunate to have Darline Mabins assume the role of executive director," board President Wes Pratt said in the release. "She is a highly respected professional who has been involved in our local financial, business, corporate and civic sectors, as well as making a difference for the young people in this region."

Three finalists were interviewed for the position, according to a spokesperson for MIB.

Mabins additionally owns Drain Pro Plumbing with her husband, Sean. She's involved as board secretary with the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation and the Springfield Public Library Foundation, according to the release.

MIB ranked No. 11 on Springfield Business Journal's 2020 list of the area's largest general networking groups, with 105 members as of May 11. Founded in 2009, the organization’s mission is to bring opportunities to minority- and women-owned businesses through advocacy, networking and capacity building.