Economic Development Group Team
Jenn Stephens (SBDC) - Regional Director
Karl Unterschuetz - EDG Program Director
Karl Unterschuetz serves as a Program Director for UM’s EGD . With over 25 years of experience within entrepreneurial ecosystems, Karl is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and innovation across Montana.
His work focuses on bridging the gap between Montana’s entrepreneurs and the resources they need to thrive. Karl has been instrumental in leading statewide initiatives, such as the "Access to Finance" study, which analyzes the flow of capital to small businesses. His expertise spans a variety of sectors, including early stage startup, clean technology, and organic agriculture, reflecting a career-long commitment to innovation and sustaining small business models.
Prior to joining the University of Montana, Karl held leadership roles in the private sector, including serving as Director of Business Development for a Washington-based solar manufacturing startup. He also managed the Northwest Biofuels Working Group and contributed to the launch of the Pacific Northwest Clean Tech Open.
Karl holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington University and a Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership from Antioch University Seattle. Based in Missoula, he continues to collaborate with statewide partners, lawmakers, and federal agencies to build a more inclusive and robust financial ecosystem for all Montanans.
Patty Cox (Apex) - Government Contracting Advisor
Paul Gladen - Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development
Paul Gladen is Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development at the University of Montana. Paul oversees the University’s portfolio of economic development programs. Prior to joining the University of Montana, Paul was a small business owner in Montana, having previously worked for nearly 20 years in the global accounting and consulting industry. Paul is a co-founder of the Montana Code School and the Hellgate Venture Network, an entrepreneurial networking group. He was the 2017 Montana Ambassador Educator of the Year. Originally from England, Paul has an MA in Mathematics from Oxford University and an MBA from Manchester Business School.
Sarah Truglio - Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Sam Alario - Manager of Innovation and Entrepeneurship Programs
Samantha Alario is a heart-led entrepreneur ad educator. She’s the mother of two young boys and the founder of Gemini Mountain Swimwear, a sustainable and locally made swimwear brand based in Missoula, Montana. She helps run the Innovation and Entrepreneurship programs at the University of Montana where she supports aspiring entrepreneurs through hands-on mentorship and programming. Passionate about community-building, customer discovery, and sustainable growth. Samantha thrives on helping others navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Outside of work, she loves spending time in nature with her children and collaborating with local creatives.
Steve Clairmont (SBDC) - Business Advisor
Steve Clairmont is a Montana Native and provides nearly 20 years of economic development and entrepreneurial development support experience in his role as a business advisor. Steve has an Associate of Science in electronic engineering technology, a Bachelor of Science in business administration and has over 40 years of work experience in the private sector. Steve has earned his economic development finance professional (EDFP) certification with the National Development Council and is a former recipient of the SBA’s "Minority Small Business Champion of the Year."
Having worked as an individual contributor in various capacities in his work career and in management positions from supervisor up to the president of a corporation, Steve brings a great deal of professional expertise and experience in business operations, growth and improvement. His work experience includes expertise in manufacturing, field service and electronic engineering from his work in the semiconductor equipment industry; entrepreneur training, plan development and finance from his work in economic development; and a well-rounded level of expertise from his other roles and from his work with entrepreneurs in western Montana.
Terry Murphy (Apex) - Government Contracting Advisor
A Missoula native, Terri brings 10 years of experience as a high school science educator, along with a background in educational research. She earned her BA in biology and education from the University of Montana and holds an MEd in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology. As an experienced educator and learning coach, she has a knack for turning complex concepts into clear, approachable learning by breaking information into practical, bite-sized chunks, grounded in real-world applications. Known for her collaborative mindset, Terri is dedicated to helping Montana businesses grow through thoughtful, personalized coaching. Outside of work, her love of science draws her to the rivers and streams of Western Montana, where she enjoys fly-fishing with her loyal Lab Retriever, Rogan, by her side.