Jolene Schalper attained both her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational Communications from the University of Montana in Missoula. While completing her degree, Schalper interned with a statewide accounting firm who then hired her full time upon graduation. She was recruited to move back home by the University of Great Falls (now University of Providence). After three years at the University of Great Falls, Schalper was recruited as the Director of Organizational Communications for Rural Dynamics.

There Schalper was first introduced to asset building, inclusion, and equity best practices. She was able to learn from engagements with the Kellogg Foundation, Northwest Area Foundation, Dartmouth Tuck School of Business, MIT Systems Thinking Conference, and others.

This is where Schalper discovered her passion as a community change agent. Schalper was able to build her knowledge base gaining certification as an OWEESTA Building Native Communities Trainer and was able to work with 19 Tribal Nations across the Pacific Northwest. Through Rural Dynamics, Schalper was also able to become a certified train the trainer in Bridges Out of Poverty. She was an organizer in Montana’s CAP the Rate Initiative a ballot initiative which successfully capped interest rates for short term loans to 36%, down from 400%. During this time Schalper was also an integral part of the Montana Financial Education Coalition, a national JumpStart Affiliate, serving multiple terms as State Coalition President.

When the opportunity arose to step up from direct service individual and family wealth and asset building to community and regional economic development, Schalper took it and has been with Great Falls Development Authority for twelve years. She began engaging with IEDC her second year and quickly started down the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) path. Schalper attained her CEcD and Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) credentials. She has previously served on the IEDC Membership Committee and currently serves on the IEDC Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) Committee. In 2024 Schalper attained her EDP credential from IEDC. Schalper also served on the State of Montana on the State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB).

Schalper applies her knowledge overseeing many aspects of Great Falls Development Alliance. Her role is to connect the mission, vision, and strategic plan with client results. Managing team performance expectations and KPIs. She oversees the Business Development Team four focused on key industry sectors; business attraction program - including FDI; business retention and expansion; housing; real estate development and re-use; and downtown development. In addition, she oversees the 2.5 Small Business development Center advisors; 1.5 APEX advisors; and .5 Brownfield Redevelopment Officer.

When not working with businesses and community leaders, Schalper is working on her own business. She and her husband (a German immigrant) own and operate a German Bar, Kellergeist, in Great Falls boasting the largest German bier selection in the United States and the best craft cocktails. She loves living in her home state for the four seasons of outdoor recreation. Schalper enjoys of hiking, skiing, and kayaking. To relax she plays guitar and sings the blues in two bands.