Power Moves: Newly independent Cesium just hired its first COO

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.

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Cesium, a Center City-based 3D geospatial company, announced Bonnie Bogle as its new COO on July 24. This news comes less than a month after Cesium broke away from Analytical Graphics Inc. to be a standalone company after a $5 million investment.

“Cesium is at a very interesting point. We already have a robust product, a solid and growing user base, and revenue — which is great for an early-stage startup,” Bogle said. “But we’re just building our company foundation now.”

Bogle will be overseeing operations as the company grows for the first time without the help of its parent company. Her previous roles include spearheading the Philadelphia chapter of Brazen, a networking group for women entrepreneurs, and running D.C.-based startup Mapbox, which grew to over 200 people and nabbed $60 million in venture funding under her watch.

“This is what I love to do,” Bogle said. “I learned so much from both of these experiences and am excited to bring it all to Cesium — to help us build the best 3D geospatial platform out there while and, equally importantly, creating an amazing place to work.”

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CultureWorks’ Jamaine Smith announced last week that he’s taking a break from the management world, resignation effective Aug. 1.

The now-former chief commons director has spent the last three years moving up the ranks at the arts and culture-focused coworking space and bizdev org, moving from trust manager and director to senior community experience director. He’s helped balloon membership to 250 and boost the number of CultureTrust projects to 100, growing $4 million in revenue, per the organization.

Co-Management Director Beth Warshaw will be taking over in the interim period while CW finds a replacement. Smith said he’s is unsure about the next move but excited to take on some new projects.

“What’s next for me? I’ll be taking some time to rest and reflect before exploring new possibilities and opportunities,” he wrote in a newsletter.

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Sam Woods Thomas, former business development manager for the City of Philadelphia, just transitioned into a brand-new role created just for him: director of life sciences and biotechnology for Philadelphia.

After spending time working for the New Kensington Community Development Corporation, Thomas took up a role with the City in July 2017, building relationships with biotech and life science companies as a business development manager. He said his new position is similar to his previous role, but he’s excited for the new challenge that comes with developing the burgeoning industry and helping retain current companies.

“I am extremely excited for this position, it’s a huge opportunity,” Thomas said. “It’s a lot more attention, responsibility and challenge, and I’m really excited to see a focus being put on this industry [in Philadelphia].”

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Witty Gritty rep Leah McGlone is leaving for the Big Apple (also known as the land of no Gritty). The former account and product manager of nearly four years has accepted a new position as product manager for ad agency Mekanism. Although she said in an email that she’s sad to leave, being an NYC resident has been a dream of hers and she’s excited to grow personally and professionally.

Philly raised me and I have too many people to thank which I'll save for another time. I kepe reminding myself that New York is only 90 minutes away so this isn't bye forever, it's a see you soon.

— Leah McGlone (@leah_mcglone) July 18, 2019

“Michelle [Freeman] and the Witty Gritty team are some of the most dedicated and compassionate group of individuals I’ve had the opportunity to not only call colleagues but friends, and I have no doubt that they will continue to amplify Philadelphia in the years to come,” McGlone said. “But I don’t need to tell you things you already know.”

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Inspired by all these movers and shakers taking the next step? Find your next power move at Super Meetup on Thursday, Aug. 22, at Cherry Street Pier.

Each year, we connect a bunch of great smaller meetups (last year we had about 21) over local food and swag from our sponsors. In 2016, we had about 1,000 attendees for a night of drinks, relaxing, reconnecting and making new friends. And the best part? It’s free!

RSVP on Meetup

Plus, we have even more opportunities for companies to be a part of Super Meetup Philly. Click below to find out more:

And if you’re interested in getting your meetup group involved, reach out to events@technical.ly for more details and we’ll be sure to get you connected for this awesome event.