After 16 and a half years of dedicated service, Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) has announced his retirement, effective April 2025. Steve has served as the BSED Executive Director since 2008, leading the organization in its mission to strengthen and grow Yellowstone County’s economy and quality of life.

In preparation for this leadership transition, Steve has worked closely with the BSED Board of Directors to roll out an organizational succession plan. The Board approved the leadership transition plan at last week’s board meeting. They have formed a search committee and hired Jorgenson Pace, a national executive search firm, to lead the search for a new Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development. The search process will begin with key stakeholder dialogues involving the BSED team, key civic and business leaders, and community partners.

“It has been an honor to work with Steve for many years to serve this community.  While it will be bittersweet for us who will miss his leadership, we are optimistic as a board as we look to transition smoothly into our next phase and continue to build and expand on the work that has been done,” said BSED Economic Development Corporation Board Chair, Andrew Gott, First Interstate Bank.

BSED’s Economic Development Authority Board Chair, Riley Bennett, Dick Anderson Construction said, “All organizations undergo changes in leadership from time to time. Big Sky Economic Development has been very fortunate to have Steve Arveschoug’s vision and guidance for the past 16 years. He and his leadership will be greatly missed. Steve has planned diligently for his succession and prepared the organization for this inevitable transition. The Big Sky EDA/EDC board is dedicated to recruiting and hiring the next Executive Director for Big Sky Economic Development. We are confident that the organization and its team will look to the future and not only manage this change but strengthen the organization and its mission through this new leadership opportunity.” 

“I look forward to supporting a great leadership transition for Big Sky Economic Development. We have an outstanding team in place and a strong board. The future is bright for BSED and its role as the community’s economic development organization. It has been my honor to be a part of this team and mission. I am indeed blessed by this experience.” – Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development.