REI Oklahoma President and CEO, Scott Dewald has announced the reaffirmation of the organization’s Senior Management Team. The Senior Management Team will continue to consist of Kenny Simpson, Executive Vice-President; Sherry Harlin, Business Development Director; Debbie Partin, Business Lending Director and Lori Hill, Administrative Services Director.
“REI Oklahoma is extremely fortunate to have an excellent Senior Management Team,” said Dewald. “The depth of experience and knowledge this team delivers is incredible and it is imperative we continue to draw on their expertise.”
Simpson has over 35 years of finance experience, including 23 years with REI Oklahoma. He serves on the Board of Directors for the New Markets Tax Credit Coalition, a national organization. Kenny is President of REI New Markets Investment, LLC and is heavily involved in supporting Salvation Army efforts.
Harlin brings a wealth of experience to REI Oklahoma’s Business Development Division. In her 32nd year with the organization, the division under her leadership includes the Housing Down Payment Assistance, Native American Resource 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.
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 on the National Association of Development Companies Board of Directors and as Executive Vice President of REI New Markets Investment, LLC. Additionally, she serves as Vice President of the Oklahoma Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders.
Lori Hill, a licensed CPA, earned her MBA in 2002, and has over 13 years of non-profit accounting experience. In addition to her responsibilities related to financial statement preparation, Lori is responsible for management of the marketing and administrative areas. Lori also serves as Treasurer of REI New Markets Investment, LLC, is Treasurer of the Boys and Girls Club of Durant and Secretary of the Durant Education Service Sorority.
“I look forward to our working together on our common goal of delivering high quality economic development services throughout Oklahoma. This team, coupled with our dedicated staff of more than 35 economic development professionals and our incredible network of partners, will enable us to aggressively pursue our mission,” added Dewald.
Headquartered in Durant, REI Oklahoma collaborates closely with local lenders to help businesses thrive by zeroing in on relationship-building and person-to-person outreach, helping entrepreneurs navigate through business lending resources and programs. For women-owned businesses and minority-owned enterprises, REI Women’s Business Center and the Native American Business Centers offer unique training, as well as technical assistance and access to capital. Additionally, REI’s Down Payment Assistance provides support to potential homeowners. Learn more at www.reiok.org. Follow REI Oklahoma on Facebook and Twitter.