About

Sr. Management Team


Scott Dewald

President & CEO

Meet Scott.

A graduate of Oklahoma State University with a BS in Ag Communications, Scott Dewald has over 25 years of experience in agriculture and economic business development. As President and CEO of REI Oklahoma, Scott is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the economic development organization. In addition to his role with REI Oklahoma, Scott also serves as President of REI Development Corp, President of REI New Markets Investment, LLC and Chair of the REI Internal Loan Committee. Scott is a Past-President of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives, Chairman of the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Board, Member of the Board of Directors of the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum, Member of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Business Roundtable, Member of the National New Markets Tax Credit Coalition Board of Directors, Member of the OSU Dean of Agriculture’s Advisory Council, and Member of the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition to his background in business, Dewald is a Leadership Oklahoma graduate and an OSU Distinguished Alumni.

Years of Service to REI Oklahoma: 8

Sherry Harlin

Senior Vice President of Development

Meet Sherry. Sherry Harlin brings a wealth of experience to REI Oklahoma’s Business Development Division. In her 36th year with the organization, the division under her leadership includes Housing Down Payment Assistance, Native American Business Centers, Commercial Facilities, Foreign Trade Zone #227 and REI Women’s Business Center. Sherry is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a Housing Development Finance Professional. She previously served on the National Business Incubation Association Board and Chair of the Board for the Oklahoma Community Institute.

Years of Service to REI Oklahoma: 40

Debbie Partin

Senior Vice President of Lending

Meet Debbie. Debbie Partin has been assisting Oklahoma entrepreneurs with their business lending needs since joining REI Oklahoma in 1992.  She is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and was awarded SBA’s Financial Services Advocate of the Year award.  Debbie also serves as Executive Vice President of REI New Markets Investment, LLC and REI Development Corp.  Additionally, she has served on the National Association of Development Companies Board of Directors as well as President of the Oklahoma Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders.

Years of Service to REI Oklahoma: 29

Lori Hill

Chief Financial Officer

Meet Lori. Lori Hill, a licensed CPA and Certified Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) earned her MBA in 2002, and has more than 20 years of non-profit accounting experience. In addition to her responsibilities related to strategic financial analysis, Lori is responsible for driving operations within the marketing and administrative areas. She is accountable for multiple budgets and the allocation of resources to create substantial, meaningful impacts. Lori also serves as Treasurer of REI New Markets Investment, LLC, Secretary/Treasurer of REI Development Corp., is Treasurer of the Durant Education Service Sorority, and past Secretary/Treasurer of the Boys and Girls Club of Durant.

Years of Service to REI Oklahoma: 19