DURANT, OK — REI Oklahoma is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Nicki Fuller, General Manager and CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives; Andrea Bendele, Stillwater Market President of Exchange Bank & Trust Co.; and Sammy Ehtisham, Vice President of Acquisitions at Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc.
All three bring decades of combined experience in finance, leadership and community development that will strengthen REI Oklahoma’s mission to Enhance Oklahoma’s Prosperity.
Nicki Fuller currently serves as the General Manager and CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC), a statewide association representing 30 electric cooperatives in Oklahoma. She brings deep expertise in energy, policy and rural development and has held national leadership roles with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, American Public Power Association and National Waterways Association. Nicki succeeds Chris Meyers following his retirement from OAEC.
Andrea Bendele is President of Exchange Bank’s Stillwater market. During her tenure she has overseen the development of a second location and has played a key role in growing the bank’s SBA lending portfolio. Exchange Bank now has more than $410 million in total assets. A former REI Oklahoma loan officer, Andrea has firsthand knowledge of the organization’s impact. She brings a deep understanding of small business lending and community-focused leadership to her new role.
Sammy Ehtisham serves as Vice President of Acquisitions for Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc., where he oversees $300–350 million in private equity investments annually across a 20-state region. With nearly two decades of experience in affordable housing finance, he has evaluated and closed hundreds of developments spanning multifamily, single-family, senior and special needs housing. Sammy is known for building strong partnerships with developers, navigating complex financing structures and bringing a thorough understanding of housing, community investment and financial management to the board.
“We’re excited to welcome Nicki, Andrea and Sammy to the board,” said Scott Dewald, President and CEO of REI Oklahoma. “Each brings valuable expertise and a shared passion for serving communities across Oklahoma. We’re grateful for their leadership as we continue building opportunities across the state.”
