Dr. Vernon Darko – Keynote
Founder and CEO of EQUIPXP® (EXP)
Dr. Vernon Darko is the founder and CEO of EQUIPXP® (EXP), a global industry leader specializing in the sale, finance and transport of capital equipment to frontier markets. With 24 years of international business experience, Darko is a recognized, global businessman whose core focus is on establishing business relationships that foster mutual growth.
Dr. Darko currently serves on the Exporta Global Trade Review’s Africa Editorial Board, the Convene Advisory Board, the Chief Executive Board and the boards of Darko Farms, EQUIPXP®, EXP Capital, XP Resources, Educate International, the Amanfoo North America Prempeh Endowment Fund. He is, also, a member of the Rotary Club of Space Center and WATCH D.O.G.S.
Dr. Darko previously served on the U.S. EX-IM Bank’s Sub Saharan African Advisory Committee, an entity established by the U.S. Congress to provide expert policy guidance and strengthen bank support for U.S.–Africa export activities. He has also served on the Bilateral US-Arab chamber of Commerce’s Africa Insight Committee Board of Advisors and on the Greater Houston Partnership’s World Trade and Africa Committees and as Chairman of its Chief Executive Board.
Dr. Darko is the author of “Think, Act, Breathe Global and Grow Your Business,” a quick-start guide to global business expansion inspired by Dr. Darko’s own challenges and experiences in foreign markets. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Humane Letters from the Global Oved Dei Seminary University.
Dr. Darko obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, concentrating in International Business, at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee and was named Alumnus of the Year by the university’s UPSILON XI social service organization. He performed post-baccalaureate studies in Marketing at the University of Houston.Dr. Darko resides in Houston with his wife, four children and their beloved Australian Labradoodle. He enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering at church, and pursuing career and community endeavors He pursues extracurricular activities ranging from golf, and weight training, to reading and exploring new technologies.