Pittsburgh Power Moves: Top VR game developer adds two new VPs

The leadership landscape in Pittsburgh tech continues to evolve, with plenty of moves in the past month. 

At nonprofits like Innovation Works and companies like Schell Games, there were changes at the top that are likely to impact departments across each organization. Plus, Carnegie Mellon University debuts a rebranded software research division, with a new person at the helm. 

Keep reading below our monthly hiring skills chart for all the details.

Schell Games hires for two VP-level roles

The Pittsburgh-based game development company, founded in 2002, filled in two key positions on its leadership team. Both promotions come from long-tenured employees at the company.

Schell Games named Lauren Reed as vice president of human resources and Jared Mason as vice president of design.

Reed started at the company nine years ago. In her new role, Reed will manage the talent acquisition and development, benefits and compensation and performance management teams.

With 17 years at the company under his belt, Mason’s new role will have him overseeing the growth and development of studio designers. 

A new head of software and society at CMU

Nearly two years after Carnegie Mellon University rebranded its Institute for Software Research to the Software and Societal Systems Department (S3D), the person who oversaw the transition is handing over the reins to a new organizational leader.

Computer science professor Nicolas Christin starts his tenure as the S3D department head on Sept. 1. He’s been with the university since 2005. 

“This department is at the interface of computer science and real-world impact. As a department head, you have to know everything that’s going on,” Christin said. “All the work I hear about is super cool and exciting. I’m like a kid in a candy store.”

The department includes 57 faculty members and runs two doctorate programs. 

Software and life sciences leads at Innovation Works

The Southwest PA early-stage investor and accelerator organization appointed new leaders to its software development and life sciences practices. 

Jeanne Iasella will apply her years of healthcare experience as Innovation Works’ managing director of life sciences. Steven Welles has been named managing director of software, where his financial and startup experience will come in handy. 

The new managing directors will be responsible for deal flow, strategy, portfolio management and other programs in their respective departments. 

More Power Moves:

• Ryan O’Shea joins creative agency Joe Zeff Design as a digital storyteller. The tech and science content creator previously worked in similar roles at local organizations like the Pittsburgh Robotics Network and the Robotics Factory.
• Software company Security Journey hired Dan Newton as CEO. The industry veteran and former senior VP at PNC will help the Pittsburgh-based company protect AI tools.