Montana Gov. Schweitzer Appoints New Members to the Economic Development Advisory Council

Today Governor Brian Schweitzer announced appointments to various boards and councils.

Economic Development Advisory Council (2-15-1820, Montana Code Annotated)

• Curt Starr, Billings. Qualification: public representative. Starr is the chief financial officer for Gainan Floral Inc. He holds a degree in engineering sciences from Dartmouth College.

• Sheila Hogan, Clancy. Qualification: public representative. Hogan is the executive director of the Career Training Institute. She holds a degree in public policy from Montana Tech.

• Jim Smitham, Butte. Qualification: public representative. Smitham is the executive director of the Butte Local Development Corp. He earned an MBA from City University.

• Brodie Cooney, Missoula. Qualification: public representative. Cooney is a business account executive with Verizon Wireless. He has a bachelor’s in business management from the University of Montana.

• Paul Tuss, Havre. Qualification: public representative. Tuss is the executive director of the Bear Paw Development Corporation. He has a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Montana.

• Kathie Bailey, Lewistown. Qualification: public representative. Bailey is the executive director of the Snowy Mountain Development Corporation. She has a master’s in adult, community, and higher education from Montana State University.

• Alan Ekblad, Great Falls. Qualification: public representative. Ekblad is the executive secretary of the Montana AFL-CIO. He has a bachelor’s in political science from Montana State University.

• Walter White Tail Feather, Poplar. Qualification: public representative. White Tail Feather is the director of the Economic Development office for the Fort Peck Tribes. He also serves as treasurer for the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center.