Since graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in finance and accounting, Landi Mkhize (pronounced Lundy Um-kee-zay) has worked in the banking industry. His first job after college was as an examiner for the Arkansas State Bank Department, where he rose to senior examiner status before joining Chambers Bank as the Controller.
Less than a year later, Mkhize was promoted to Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held for nearly a decade. Coworkers refer to him as one of the smartest people at Chambers, not to mention one of the nicest. He was also the first person of color to serve as an executive officer for the bank.
“I am thankful to the people who have paved the way,” Mkhize said. “That starts with my mom, grandmother, and aunts who all sacrificed for my future, to the professors and colleagues who saw more in me than I saw in myself. I am pleased to be where I am and hope more people of color are given the opportunity to show that they can succeed in the banking industry.”
And while Mkhize has certainly enjoyed professional success, he continually strives to make himself and his company even better. “The great team at Chambers challenges me every day and encourages me to fully utilize all my skills,” he said. “I am so grateful to work here.”
Mkhize grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the end of apartheid. “It was a time of great tension, violence and transformation,” he said. “Mandela’s reconciliation and the way he treated everyone had a big impact on my life.”
Mkhize led the establishment of the bank’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) task force and serves as its chair. He is passionate about providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, education, age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. “I believe in the power of diversity and one of my favorite quotes from Nelson Mandella, one of my heroes, says it best: ‘No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.’ “
In his spare time, Mkhize serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement and teaches financial literacy classes for the nonprofit organization. He is an avid Manchester United soccer fan (“the real football!”) and loves spending time with his wife and daughters at home in Fayetteville. He also enjoys supporting his alma mater’s various sports teams, including Razorback baseball, women’s soccer, softball and football.