i2E Names Darcy Wilborn as President, Continuing Commitment to Oklahoma Innovation
i2E, Inc., a nonprofit focused on accelerating startup success and commercialization efforts across Oklahoma, proudly announces the appointment of Darcy Wilborn as its new President. She succeeds Rex Smitherman, who recently retired after 17 years at i2E.
Wilborn brings more than a decade of leadership and operational experience within i2E. Since joining the organization in 2014, she has held several key leadership roles, most recently as Vice President of Operations. In that capacity, she led the development and growth of major initiatives such as the E3 Bootcamp, the Bridge2 Pre-Accelerator, and i2E’s involvement in the Oklahoma Commercialization Network. These programs have significantly broadened access to entrepreneurial resources and supported hundreds of founders in turning their ideas into viable businesses.
Prior to joining i2E, Wilborn built a strong foundation in engineering and business through roles at L’Oréal USA, where she served as a new product engineer and logistics launch manager. She holds B.S. degrees in Biomedical and Chemical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and earned her MBA from the University of Oklahoma’s Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business.
“It is an incredible honor to step into this role at i2E,” said Wilborn. “Oklahoma has an extraordinary community of innovators, and I’m excited to work alongside a dedicated team that continues building programs and partnerships to empower entrepreneurs statewide. Our focus will remain on accessibility, collaboration, and meaningful economic impact.”
i2E Board Chair Rose Washington-Jones, CEO of Tulsa Economic Development Corporation, praised Wilborn’s appointment.
“Darcy brings not only a wealth of experience and deep institutional knowledge, but also a bold, forward-looking vision for what’s possible,” said Washington-Jones. “Her leadership comes at a pivotal time, as i2E continues to grow and deepen its impact across Oklahoma’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As the landscape of innovation evolves, so must we—and Darcy is meeting this moment with energy, insight, and determination. The Board of Directors is inspired by her vision and proud to support her as she leads i2E into an exciting new era.”
As President, Wilborn will guide i2E’s strategic direction with a focus on statewide inclusivity, deeper public-private collaboration, and more robust commercialization pathways. This leadership transition aligns with i2E’s broader goals of fostering innovation, job creation, and long-term economic vitality.
