REI Oklahoma (REI) announces Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice-President Scott Dewald as its new President and CEO, effective April 1, 2013.
“We are pleased to have Mr. Dewald on board as the new leader of this organization,” said Board Chair Karen James.
Incoming Board Chair Martin VanMeter said “Scott brings extensive knowledge and experience in working with businesses and stakeholders as a part of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association for the last 17 years. Mr. Dewald fills a critically important role for our organization, and his longstanding statewide relationships made him the ideal candidate for this position. He is a pragmatic, forward-thinking and visionary leader. We are excited to have him at the helm of our organization.”
Mr. Dewald joins REI Oklahoma after a career that included director roles with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, the Oklahoma Agriculture Cooperative Council and the Secretary of the Environment’s Office. In addition to his background in business, he is a Leadership Oklahoma graduate, OSU Distinguished Alumni and past president of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives.
“I look forward to joining REI Oklahoma and my goal is to promote the organization’s mission of expanding business throughout our state,” said Dewald. “I have spent the better part of my career as a steadfast advocate for economic development, and I cannot express how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to continue my work in those areas.”
“I have been truly blessed to work for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association for the past 17 years,” said Dewald. “The OCA is an incredible organization with an excellent staff, membership, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee.”
“We appreciate everything Scott has done for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association during his time at the OCA,” said OCA President Mike Frey. “Scott has taken our organization to new heights, he has represented Oklahoma ranchers well, and we wish him the best in his new position.”
Dewald believes that Oklahoma is poised for great economic growth in the coming years and says he is eager to find innovative ways to encourage entrepreneurialism and business expansion.
“Our state is fortunate to have performed well during the recent economic downturn, but there is still much work to be done,” Dewald said. “It is my commitment to see this state’s economic opportunities expanded for the betterment of Oklahoma.”