Before the merger between the International Management Council and the National Management Association, NMA of Knox County got its start in 1966 as a charter member of IMC - a program of the YMCA. Initially, it was known around the county as the Industrial Management Club of Mount Vernon-Knox County and in 1967, the group had 73 members. Richard Bergman of the Loma Linda Corporation was the Chapter's first president. At that time, membership mostly was comprised of foremen and supervisors of Knox County Industries (44 of the members were from Cooper Bessemer and seven were from Weyerhaeuser).

In 1978, the group opened the doors to women as members. Seven years later, IMC of Mount Vernon-Knox County had its first woman president. Pat Dinsmore then of First Knox National Bank led the executive board from '85-'86.

Today, NMA of Knox County has over 65 members from over 38 companies in the local community. On January 1, 2004, IMC and NMA merged to become NMA boosting membership and resources to an all-time high for both groups. With the mission and vision so closely similar between IMC and NMA, members of the national and grass roots level recognized the validity of joining forces, so it became a reality.

While the term "management" is prevalent in the lingo of the organization, NMA welcomes people who are in "non-management" positions but aspire to become managers or would like to develop their leadership skills. NMA clearly understands that one does not have to be in management to be a leader. Because of this perspective, NMA of Knox County has become one of the most successful volunteer organizations in the area and respected by the business and professional community. It now reaches beyond local involvement to national and international communities. Members participate and develop workshops, educational courses and conferences. Through these activities, members gain valuable experience that helps develop skills in leadership, presentation, communication, financial management, delegating, organizing, controlling and other management related skills.