Scott Dewald, REI Oklahoma President & CEO, has received the George Nigh Association Executive of the Year Award from the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives (OSAE). The award recognizes Dewald’s excellence in association management as well as his significant contributions to OSAE and the association community. Dewald was honored during a gala to commemorate OSAE’s 50 years of excellence. The award was presented by the association’s founding president, former Governor George Nigh.
“Scott epitomizes the ideal of the association executive,” said OSAE Vice President David Finley. “He has demonstrated with foresight and vision how to plan for larger than life goals while then providing down-to-earth action plans to make those goals a reality. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious.”
Dewald, who has more than 25 years of experience in agriculture and economic business development, currently serves as immediate Past President of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives. Additionally, he is Chairman of the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Board, Member of the OSU College of Agriculture Dean and Vice President Search Committee, Member of OSU Dean of Agriculture’s Advisory Council, Chairman of OSU-DAC Cap and Trade Committee and is a lifetime member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.
He leads the operations at REI Oklahoma, which 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 about the organization at www.reiok.org.