Sabin Leaving Oxford American Post To Head Argenta Innovation Center

State Rep. Warwick Sabin (D-Little Rock) will leave his post as publisher of the Oxford American magazine and take the helm of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, an entrepreneurship non-profit launching in downtown North Little Rock’s Argenta district.

The innovation center was announced last month and will promote entrepreneurship through business incubation, academic research, technical and manufacturing assistance, and job training. Sabin will assume his responsibilities on Sept. 1.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to establish a new collaborative regional approach to promoting entrepreneurial business development in Central Arkansas,” Sabin said. “The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub will bring together corporate leaders, educators, nonprofit foundations, and local, state, and federal governments in a focused effort to assist startup ventures and prepare the workforce for the jobs that will follow. This is a comprehensive, cooperative, and practical way to achieve our potential as a region.”

Sabin said he struggled with the decision to leave the Oxford American, which has seen its financials strengthen and has expanded its offerings including a new restaurant/nightclub in the old Juanita’s building on Main Street in Little Rock.

“I’d rather leave the OA in good shape versus the alternative,” Sabin tells Talk Business.