Big Sky Economic Development has announced the promotion of Patrick Klugman to the position of Senior Director of Economic Development Programs. In this new capacity, Klugman will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for Big Sky Economic Development’s core business advising and outreach programs, including the Small Business Development Center, Veterans Business Outreach Center, Procurement Technical Assistant Center, and Member Investor Program. These programs are essential to executing BSED’s mission to support the growth of start-up companies, existing businesses, and economy of Billings, Yellowstone County, and the region. In collaboration with BSED’s business advising programs: unique responsibilities, contracts, and cooperative agreements will be interfaced by the Senior Director of Economic Development Programs with our federal, state, and local partners to effectively serve BSED’s clients and business community.

Since first joining Big Sky Economic Development in 2015, Klugman has served as the Community Development project Manager, then in 2021 became the Director of Development leading BSED’s Member Investor program.

Executive Director, Steve Arveschoug said, “Patrick’s new role with BSED comes as a result of his hard work and the partnerships he fosters in the community. It is also part of a restructuring effort that will include four new Senior Director roles in the organization. Senior Directors are charged with supporting the success of our individual programs and setting the stage for our growth, continuing the impacts we make on the community we serve.”

Klugman holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Montana State University Billings and Bachelor of Arts Political Science and Government degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.