Power Moves: Meet PIDC’s incoming president, Philly native Jodie Harris

Power Moves is a column where we chart the comings and goings of talent across the region. Got a new hire, gig or promotion? Email us: philly@technical.ly.

The 65-year-old organization, first created by the City of Philadelphia and Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia to spur investment and business growth in the region, has been looking for a predecessor to Anne Bovaird Nevins since September. Nevins announced her departure last June after working for the organization for 15 years, including two as its leader.

Harris, who will start her position on June 1, comes to the role with a wealth of experience in finance and government work. She’s most recently served as the director of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) with the US Department of the Treasury in DC, supporting mission-driven financial institutions.

Harris also spent 15 years at the Department of the Treasury in roles such as program manager, senior advisor, and director of community and economic development policy. While there, Harris focused on initiatives that expanded access to capital, community development finance and financial inclusion, per the City’s announcement.

“I’m thrilled that Jodie will be part of the next wave of strong leaders dedicated to moving our great city and region forward,” Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chellie Cameron said in a statement. “I’m confident that with her economic development acumen, extensive experience advancing historically underserved communities and passion for financial inclusion, Jodie is fully prepared to lead PIDC long into the future.”

Harris expressed excitement about returning to her hometown and leading PIDC during a “critical time for Philadelphia’s economy.”

“As head of the CDFI Fund, I know first-hand what it takes to drive meaningful, sustainable, and equitable economic growth, especially in historically underserved communities,” Harris said. “I look forward to working with PIDC’s partners at the City and Chamber, along with our stakeholders in the business, civic, and philanthropic communities, to drive inclusive economic growth, vitality and opportunity to every corner and zip code of Philadelphia.”

Dan Hilferty heads Comcast Spectacor

Daniel Hilferty. (Courtesy photo)

Business executive Daniel Hilferty, the former head of Independence Health Group, was named as Comcast Spectacor’s new CEO in February. Hilferty stepped down from his role at IBX in 2020, and started his role with Comcast last month.

Hilferty recently helped the city secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, and is chair of the board of directors of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. This move to Comcast Spectacor aligns him with Philly’s sports and entertainment industry, as the company owns Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, Sky, the Wells Fargo Center arena and complex, and the Spectacor Gaming division. It also includes a portfolio of professional sports teams including the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers, the Overwatch League’s Seoul Infernal, the National Lacrosse League’s Philadelphia Wings, and the Maine Mariners of the ECHL.

Dave Scott, the group’s former CEO, will retain the title of chairman and governor of the Flyers.

“As a longtime Philadelphian who has admired the company for decades and is a tenacious Flyers fan, I’m excited about Comcast Spectacor and its future,” Hilferty said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Dave and Valerie [Camillo] and the many other talented leaders of this storied organization.”

Philly teacher wins Society for Science grant

Eual Phillips. (Courtesy photo)

In February, Society for Science awarded funding to 16 teachers through its STEM Research Grants program, including a teacher at Hill-Freedman World Academy in Northwest Philadelphia.

Eual Phillips, currently in his eighth year as an educator, teaches 10th grade chemistry and 12th grade sports, exercise and health science. Before becoming a teacher, Phillips worked as a biomedical engineer and in a histology lab — that’s the study of tissues. Phillips said last spring, he heard of a medical examiners office closing in Philadelphia that was giving away histology equipment. The equipment was enough to make up 60% of a lab, so he started applying for grants to purchase the rest of the equipment needed.

The money from the Society for Science grant is enough for him to finish building his lab, Phillips said, and hopefully open it up as an extracurricular for his students this spring. There’s a workforce development angle: “The goal of the lab is to actually train up students with these technical skills that you would normally get with a certification, or you would have to wait until you’re in college to get them.

Phillips said he is able to order eco-friendly and nonhazardous chemicals, too, so his students can learn histology in a non-harmful way. He hopes this lab will create new microscope slides that the whole science department can use.

“I believe that our students should basically be able to see themselves as scientists in as many ways as possible,” he said. “And getting this getting the histology lab started is one of those ways to show them not just what I’ve done, but what they can do.”

Independence Health Group leadership changes

New leaders at IBX. (Courtesy image)

Independence Heath Group, the parent company of IBX, promoted four people to executive leadership roles this week. Susan Larkin was named to EVP and president of core commercial markets; Mike Sullivan was named EVP and president of diversified markets; Koleen Cavanaugh is now EVP of marketing and chief marketing officer; and Crystal Ashby is EVP, chief people, DEI and communication officer.

Larkin has served 13 years with the organization, where she’s held leadership roles across sales and marketing. She most recently served as SVP of health markets where she drove revenue opportunities and administrative and medical cost efficiencies, the company said.

Sullivan has been with IBX for eight years, where he’s held roles with the company’s sales and retention efforts. He brings healthcare experience from roles prior to IBX, where he was CEO of HM Insurance Group, CEO of United Concordia and president of Health Markets at Highmark, Inc.

Cavanaugh’s been with IBX for three decades, and has most recently served as VP of marketing. In her new role, she’ll lead the org’s marketing team, work with its sales associates and “improve outcomes” for members, clients and brokers.

Ashby is the newest to the team, joining as IBX’s EVP and chief people officer in 2021. she’ll continue leading its human resources division, including its talent strategies. In her new role, she’ll lead the company’s DEI strategies and oversee the company’s corporate communications functions.

“Independence is fortunate to have a strong, experienced and committed executive team,” President and CEO Gregory E. Deavens said in a statement. “Their expertise and vision, and our associates’ dedication and commitment, are the reasons Independence has earned the trust of the people in our region as both Philadelphia’s hometown insurer and a national healthcare organization. Our company is extremely well positioned to innovate, grow, and thrive as we mark 85 years serving our members, customers, and community.”