Code for America hires local #opengov hacker Mark Headd, one-man Philly office

Code for America isn’t yet halfway through its second fellowship year, but, as of today, Philadelphia now already has a direct stake in its third year and beyond.

The much celebrated program that puts technologists in year-long partnerships with city governments has hired Mark Headd, the good government hacker and former Voxeo #opengov evangelist, to lead its government relations efforts. Headd, a Wilmington, Del. resident whose projects we have covered before, will have office space in or near to Center City.

“Code for America has already had an impact, and I’m excited to help that cause,” said Headd, 43, on a recent walk with Technically Philly in University City. Though Philly is a clear partner, his role will involve extensive travel, he said.

Headd will lead outreach efforts with potential cities, continue relationships with existing governments and help with broader organizational strategy. In addition to being housed in the only city that participated in CFA’s first two years, Headd’s location in Philadelphia makes sense for its proximity in the dense mid-Atlantic corridor and along the broad East Coast.

There are plans to build out a larger East Coast office in Philadelphia, though the focus is on growing the organization first, said Headd. His hire — the first outside of the Bay Area — represents another step in CFA’s growth.

“Mark is a talented technologist and innovator who has held positions both within and outside of government, which makes him uniquely qualified for this role,” said Bob Sofman, Code for America’s fellowship director. “He will focus on scaling our efforts with cities throughout the country, and it’s quite fitting that he’ll be based in Philadelphia — one of the leading city innovators in the nation.”

A former college gymnast, Headd, a friendly, excitable, hackathon-enthusiast, with glasses and a seemingly always freshly-shaven head, formerly worked in New York state and Delaware government. He is married with two kids.

[Full Disclosure: Mark Headd helped organize the BarCamp NewsInnovation hackathon that will happen during Philly Tech Week, and Voxeo is a Tech Week sponsor.]