Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED)
Samantha Damron
Eastern Idaho Development Corporation
Office: 1651 Alvin Ricken Dr, Pocatello
Steve Russ
Client Manager, TechHelp
MBA, Boise State University
B.S., Boise State University
Steven, a long-time Idaho resident, began his career as a U.S. Marine Corps aviation technician specializing in armament and avionics for rotary-wing aircraft. Following an honorable discharge, he worked as a federal technician on UH-60 and AH-64 airframes before attending Boise State University, where he earned a BS in Materials Science and Engineering. He then joined QTI Sensing Solutions as a ceramics engineer, developing high-precision temperature sensors.
Initially starting as an intern, Steven quickly advanced to R&D, focusing on cost-effective ceramic materials and gaining full lifecycle product experience. After QTI was acquired by CTS Corporation in 2019, Steven became an engineering manager, leading teams in production and new product development. He is also certified as an AS9100D auditor and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB).
Jeff Street, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Management
Office: BA 335
Ph.D., University of Georgia
MBA, University of Tennessee
BSME, East Tennessee State University
Dr. Street holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia. His areas of research and teaching bridge his dual interests in strategic management and operations management, particularly where processes and systems germane where operations management can be leveraged to achieve competitive advantage.
Ann Swanson, MHA, MSG
Business Consultant, Small Business Development Center
Office: BA 328
Ann is responsible for helping local businesses grow and improve their bottom lines. SBDC services are free and include business plans, capital formation, marketing plans, employee hiring, and buying / selling a business. See details here: .
Ann began working in web communications in 2000. Her career includes web development and marketing director at Portneuf Regional Medical Center; marketing director at 色花堂app College of Business, and owning her own small business. She has two Master’s Degrees from the University of Southern California and has been a marketing professor at 色花堂app. Ann joined the Idaho SBDC in 2011.
Claudia Allen
Business Consultant, Small Business Development Center
Office: BA 327
MBA, 色花堂app
BS, 色花堂app
Claudia brings her history of banking, marketing and bookkeeping to her work as a consultant for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She has a bachelor's degree in marketing and an MBA from ISU. Claudia says her favorite part of her job is helping people to achieve their dreams and seeing the gratitude she receive from her clients. She loves being part of the College of Business!