Power Moves: Science Center gained a VP of commercialization and new ventures

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

University City Science Center has seen a few big leadership changes this year, especially as it welcomed a new president and CEO this summer in medical device vet Tiffany Wilson.

And this month, the org added Aron Starosta as the org’s VP of commercialization and new ventures. It’s a move that doubles down on the Science Center’s focus on development of biotechnology across the region, both in house and through programming and accelerators.

Starosta’s role will focus on supporting the tech and startups at the Science Center through its suite of commercialization programs. He brings 30 years of experience in healthcare and venture capital, and he was a recent consultant for the org’s Digital Health Accelerator and Launch Lane Accelerator.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed with his ability to identify and address the unique needs of healthcare startups and codify that support into successful accelerator programs,” Wilson said in a statement. “Further, his commitment to identifying and supporting diverse founders is central to the Science Center’s mission and under his leadership, we’re eager to double down on that support.”

Starosta has been on the faculty at New York University and the University of Pennsylvania and has worked in the drug development process as an addiction-domain expert at various pharma companies. He’s also worked as a researcher and a national speaker on the development and treatment of medications to treat various forms of addiction, and has served as an independent IT consultant.

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Philly resident Rashaad Lambert was just named Forbes’ director of culture and community.

Lambert is the founder of For(bes) The Culture, a 30 Under 30 Summit-affiliated org with a mission to create equitable pathways for Black and brown professionals in social consciousness, civic engagement, intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship. He launched the org with cofounder Vinasia Miles in 2017 as a way for current and future minority leaders to connect and make change within their communities. Since then, the org has grown to more than 3,000 members, and with Lambert’s appointment, Forbes is establishing a dedicated The Culture channel on Forbes.com as well as a newsletter.

Rashaad Lambert. (Photo courtesy)

Chief Content Officer Randall Lane said since the org’s inception, it has highlighted leaders driving meaningful change across industries, and its members have used their platforms to create equity.

“Rashaad created an impressive community in For(bes) The Culture and shares our vision of using our platform for good, driving conversations around core issues like systemic racism and anti-justice that directly affect underrepresented communities,” Lane said in a statement.

Lambert said he appreciates when corporations put actions behind their words and is excited to create this new position within the company, adding fuel to the work of For(bes) the Culture.

“Through our work, we’re hoping to light a torch that can be passed from one generation to the next to ensure a better tomorrow,” he said.

Psst, these Philadelphians made Forbes’ most recent 30 Under 30 list.

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Sylvie Gallier Howard, who recently left her role of acting director of commerce when Mayor Jim Kenney announced last month that Michael A. Rashid would become permanent director, has launched a new venture.

She’s the brain behind Equitable Cities Consulting, an urban economic development firm specializing in strategy and implementation, stakeholder engagement and outreach, and research and policy in urban areas. Gallier Howard touts her 20 years of experience in public policy and the nonprofit world on the new site, as well as her experience running a previous consulting firm.

“Whether you are a government agency, non-profit or corporation seeking to foster more inclusive, equitable economic growth in businesses, neighborhoods or cities, Equitable Cities Consulting will serve as your trusted partner to meet your goals,” it reads.

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Chris Baglieri recently left his role as Blackfynn’s SVP of engineering after about four years to join NYC-based pharmacy tech company Capsule. The engineer will hold the role of director of engineering, saying on Twitter that he believes Capsule’s reach can positively impact peoples’ experience with healthcare.

Baglieri was nominated for CTO of the year for his work at Blackfynn in our 2019 Technical.ly Awards. In the last few years, the company created the Blackfynn Data Science Platform to help neuroscience and neurology communities make better use of data and in 2019 expanded its partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

It's time for a new adventure…

I'm thrilled to share I'm joining @capsulecares! I couldn't be more excited and grateful. How we experience our healthcare is abysmal, it needs an overhaul. With Capsule's reach, we can, broadly and positively impacting people daily. Let's go!

— Chris Baglieri (@chrisbaglieri) December 9, 2020