After 19 years at OIT, Philadelphia tech leader switches offices amid staff turnover

As the end of the year approaches, local orgs are announcing changes to their boards and leadership. 

The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia announced the members of its 2024 to 2025 board of directors and executive committee. Electric vehicle charging company InductEV appointed a new CEO who has already held c-suite roles at the company. Plus, a longtime department leader in Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology moved to the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. 

Get all the details below the chart, where we look at the top 10 desirable skills for jobs right now and how many job postings request each skill. 

Longtime OIT leader moves city departments 

After almost 19 years in the city’s Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT), Andrew Buss recently moved to the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Formerly deputy chief information officer, he is now the deputy chief administrative officer. 

OIT executes the city’s technology strategy and technology infrastructure, while  CAO oversees administrative and resident-facing projects that other city departments are working on. 

Over the years, OIT’s work has embraced innovation and resident-focused technology, which weren’t at all a focus when Buss joined the department, he told Technical.ly. In this new role, he will continue to work on improving city functions. 

“Much of the work we did at OIT is only sustained if it’s adding value for other City employees and our residents,” Buss said. “I think I have a pretty good sense at this point in my career for how to develop programs that matter, and I plan to take a similar approach at CAO.” 

OIT went through a round of layoffs in the spring, shortly after the department’s new chief information officer Melissa Scott was appointed. The department lost long-tenured staff members and leadership roles such as interim COO, deputy COO and director of digital services. More recently, employees questioned an unexpected website update to spotlight Mayor Cherelle Parker just days before the election.

InductEV promotes current executive to CEO

King of Prussia-based InductEV appointed John F. Rizzo as the company’s new CEO. Rizzo was already co-president and COO of the wireless electric vehicle charging company and will continue to serve in those roles. 

“I am so impressed by the people and the technology at InductEV and am pleased to lead the ramp to high-volume commercialization,” Rizzo said.

He came to InductEV last spring, joining the company as CTO and chief strategy officer. Before this, he worked in leadership roles at companies like Apple, Intel and Oracle. He also advised and worked as a consultant for tech companies. 

Rizzo is taking over for Barry Libert, who was appointed CEO and chairman last spring. Libert will stay on with the company as vice-chairman and a member of the board of directors. 

Chamber of Commerce announces new board and executive committee 

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia announced its new board of directors and executive committee members. 

Dario Altieri from research center the Wistar Institute, Prema Katari Gupta from Center City District, and Scott Nissenbaum from Ben Franklin Technology Partners are among this year’s board members. 

“By leveraging their diverse experiences and insight, we aim to drive impact and growth across the Greater Philadelphia region,” Chellie Cameron, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said. “I look forward to collaborating with them to realize our vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth.” 

More Power Moves: 

• Della Clark, CEO of the Enterprise Center which provides resources to diverse small businesses in Philadelphia, won the 2024 Community Leadership Globy award from the Global Philadelphia Association. 
• Temple University’s Institute for Business and Information Technology appointed Sondra Barbour as its advisory board chair. Barbour was previously EVP of information systems and global solutions at Lockheed Martin. 
• The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia announced Mark W. Jaindl and Gregory Matuson as new members of its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council.