Philly Power Moves: Penn Medicine educator joins healthtech startup as CEO

Despite early career tech talent having trouble finding entry-level jobs, companies are still eager to bring in seasoned tech pros.

Govtech leader Jeff Friedman started a new role in state and local government affairs at Granicus and  healthtech startup Keriton welcomed an experienced CEO.

Plus, Code for America recognized CODE PA technologists with a Government Changemaker Award, and more. Read on for this month’s Power Moves.

Keriton welcomes new CEO

Experienced healthtech professional Adam Dakin is the new president and CEO of breast milk and formula management platform Keriton.

Keriton keeps track of the feeding schedule for hospitalized babies. It tracks schedules for pumping breast milk and mealtime so that families and hospitals can keep track of when the newborns eat.

Previously, Dakin was the founder of Medivation Advisors, an advising group for healthtech startups. He also currently acts as a board member and investor for multiple companies, a mentor in residence for the Penn Center for Innovation and a co-course director for Penn Medicine teaching healthtech entrepreneurship. He has over 30 years of experience working in the healthtech space.

Govtech pro moves to Granicus

Longtime govtech professional Jeff Friedman started a role as the manager for state and local government partnerships at Granicus, a software company targeting government agencies.

Friedman was previously a regional account manager for Rekor, a Maryland-based company that uses AI to manage traffic and roadways. Before that, Friedman launched his own company, Philly-based Kensington Collaborative, which provided business development services to tech companies working with public sector organizations. His career ranges from working in local government to big names like Amazon Web Services.

“I’m excited to be part of a purpose-driven company that helps government agencies connect, engage, and serve constituents with websites, online services, digital communications, and more,” Friedman wrote on LinkedIn.

CODE PA wins Government Changemaker Award

The Commonwealth Office for Digital Experience (CODE PA) won the Government Changemaker Award at the 2024 Code for America Innovator Awards. This award honors a person or group that increased community access to government systems using a digital solution.

Since its launch last April, CODE PA has developed a website that helps PA residents appeal denied health plan services. The office has also released a tool for older and disabled residents to find in-person assistance with specific state applications.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Code for America for our work to modernize how Pennsylvanians interact with the Commonwealth online,” said Bry Pardoe, executive director of CODE PA. “We look forward to continuing to innovate with Commonwealth agencies to serve Pennsylvanians.”

More Power Moves:

• Sara Hall, former director of digital services for the City of Philadelphia, started a new role as a senior product manager at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania working on pa.gov.
• Glen Balanoff joined local real estate investment company Bancroft Capital as its new managing director of municipals and lead negotiated underwriter. Balanoff brings 40 years of experience in municipal underwriting to his new role.
• King of Prussia-based wireless vehicle charging company InductEV announced a research partnership and student internship opportunities with Drexel University engineering students.