Meet the Staff

Jim Smitham, Executive Director
Jim was hired as the BLDC Executive Director in March 2005 and served as the BLDC Marketing Director since 2002. Prior to this, he was employed with the Montana Power Company for 26 years where he held various engineering and administrative positions. During the last 12 years with Montana Power he was the company's Economic Development Specialist. Jim is one of the founding members of the Montana Economic Developers Association and served as its president for two terms. He has experience with economic development projects that deal with business recruitment, expansion, retention and start-up.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science from Montana Tech and a Masters of Business Administration from City University. He is very active in many local and state wide professional and civic organizations. Currently he is a member of the Montana Coal Board, Montana Ambassadors, RSVP Advisory Council, and the Southwest Montana Technology Network.

jsmitham@bldc.net

 

Andy Zdinak, Marketing Director
Andy was hired as Marketing Director in November 2005 to manage the BLDC’s $9 million loan program and assist with business development activities. Andy was previously employed for 14 years by MSE Technology Applications, Inc. in Butte, Montana. For the last year, he served as the manager of the MSE Idaho Office supervising a matrix staff of 5 professionals responsible for project work valued at over $1 million. Prior to this, he served as Director of Business Development and was responsible for directing activities that generated revenues of over $10 million.

Andy holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the State University of New York at Oneonta, New York and a Masters of Science in Geology from the University of Texas at Odessa, Texas. Andy is very active in the community, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Montana Tech Booster Club and Art Chateau, and participates in organizations such as the Sunrise Kiwanas and Ducks Unlimited.

azdinak@bldc.net

Lisa Jones, Administrative Manager
Lisa began working at the BLDC in October 2003. Previously, Lisa worked for several years as the office manager for Butte GM/ Butte Subaru, an account representative for Cellular One, and a tax clerk for the Butte-Silver Bow Treasurer’s Office. At the BLDC, Lisa is responsible for daily office functions such as administering company benefit plans, oversight of daily accounting functions and grant application/funding. Lisa is very active throughout the community, and participates in organizations such as the Silver Bow Kiwanas group and First Presbyterian Church.

ljones@bldc.net
 

Audrey Combo, Administrative Assistant

Audrey began work at the BLDC in December 2005. Previously, Audrey worked as a title clerk and service cashier at Butte GM Auto Center and several other area businesses.

acombo@bldc.net

 

 

 

       
   
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480 East Park St • Butte, MT 59701
p. 406-723-4349 • f. 406-723-1539
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