HL Investments™

Scott McLain

Chief Investment Officer

Scott McLain has served as Chief Investment Officer for HL Investments, the outside investment arm for the Green Family and Hobby Lobby since May of 2014. In that capacity, he oversees a global investment portfolio across multiple assets classes.

He previously served as President and Chief Strategy Officer of Sonic Corp, parent company of the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants. During his 17-year career at Sonic, he held various positions including Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, and President of Sonic Industries, the company’s franchising subsidiary.

Mr. McLain earned a BBA in Accounting and Marketing from Baylor, and has an MBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Derek Green

Managing Director

Derek Green is Managing Director at HL Investments, the outside investment arm for the Green Family and Hobby Lobby. His responsibilities include oversight and ongoing deployment of a global private investment portfolio including real estate, oil and gas, private equity, and venture investments. He is a member or observer on multiple boards ranging from investment committees to philanthropic committees.

Previously, Derek worked for Hobby Lobby as a Real Estate Analyst, where he developed site selection and sales forecasting tools. Prior to Hobby Lobby he started and sold a services company and was an Industrial Engineer Supervisor at UPS.

Jacob Cranfield

Director of Finance & Operations

Jake Cranfield has been with HL Investments since 2018, and currently serves as Director of Finance & Operations. He plays a key role in developing the firm’s infrastructure, treasury management, and investment reporting.

Prior to joining HL Investments, Jake worked in FP&A at Museum of the Bible, playing a key role in cash forecasting and reporting during the museum’s transition to full operations. Earlier in his career, he held audit positions at HoganTaylor and Ernst & Young, where he gained experience in financial analysis and risk assessment.

Jake holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Oral Roberts University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Oklahoma.

Christine Carter

Senior Accounting Associate

Christine Carter is a Senior Accounting Associate at HL Investments, where she has been contributing to the firm's accounting and finance operations since 2024.

Before joining HL Investments, Christine gained extensive experience in audit, accounting, and financial management. She spent two years at Allman & Associates, LLC, specializing in audit, and six years as an Accountant and Business Manager for a private school in Austin. Her diverse background also includes accounting roles across the manufacturing, healthcare services, and nonprofit sectors, equipping her with a well-rounded perspective on financial management.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and remains committed to financial excellence and continuous professional growth.

Vinícius Alves

Investment Analyst

Vinícius Alves has served as an Investment Analyst at HL Investments since 2021, where he conducts comprehensive financial analysis and due diligence on investment opportunities across multiple asset classes. He plays a role in representing the firm and the Green Family in investor meetings, maintaining strong professional relationships with external partners. Additionally, he collaborates with Private Equity Fund Managers and Limited Partners to assess fund performance and ensure strategic alignment.

Prior to his role at HL Investments, Vinícius earned an MBA in Finance and Project Management from Oklahoma Christian University, where he also completed his BBA in Finance. During his academic career, he served as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, received the school's top finance student award, and led as President of the Student Investment Fund.

Ethan Adams

Investment Analyst

Ethan Adams joined the HL Investments team in March of 2024, with a focus on analyzing individual investment opportunities and their potential impact on the broader portfolio. With 10 years of experience in the investment management industry, he brings a diverse skill set gained from fulfilling various roles within the field.

On a daily basis, he concentrates on evaluating current and future investments, staying updated on market trends, and building relationships to help expand HL Investments’ opportunities and long-term success. Ethan earned a BBA in Finance from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2015.

Haleigh Brown

Investment Analyst

Haleigh Brown began as an Investment Analyst at HL Investments, in 2024. Her role on the investment team entails supporting in due diligence, deal execution, portfolio management, and reporting.

Haleigh has experience in Venture Capital and Alternative Investments, previously serving as a Senior Analyst for the Baylor Angel Network, one of the top five most active angel networks in the country. She also founded and ran a non-profit which provided support, donations, and supplies for local pregnancy resources centers.

Haleigh was a Baylor Business Fellow and earned a BBA in Accounting, Finance, and Mathematics from Baylor University.

Elizabeth Landrum

Operations Manager

Elizabeth joined HL Investments in September 2022, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for leadership.

Since then, her role has evolved, and she now focuses on streamlining operations to improve efficiency and empower team success.

With a diverse background in retail, ministry, and leadership, Elizabeth has successfully led teams across both corporate and ministry environments. Elizabeth is dedicated to strengthening the organization by streamlining processes and fostering a workplace of progress and teamwork.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Mid-America Christian University, equipping her with valuable insights into team dynamics and organizational success.