Power moves: Top changes announced at Independence Blue Cross

1. Dan Hilferty will step down as CEO in early 2021, Gregory Deavens will be his successor.

Center City-headquartered Independence Blue Cross is saying goodbye to its longtime leader, CEO Daniel Hilferty, at the end of 2020, as he’s stepping back from his role to instead act as a company advisor through 2022, the company announced last week.

He’s leaving the post after 10 years, and after leading Independence Health Group’s Medicaid managed care subsidiary, AmeriHealth Caritas, for 13 years prior.

“From the day I took the job, the board has worked with me on succession planning and talent development for the organization. The personal timing is right for me and my family,” Hilferty said in a statement. “Importantly, I know the company is well positioned to succeed now and into the future under Greg’s tremendous leadership.”

Hilferty’s successor is current Chief Finance Officer Gregory Deavens, who joined IBX in 2017 after various roles in the life insurance industry. He lead the company’s purchase of its corporate headquarters at 1901 Market St. and directed the design of the Independence Center for Innovation, which opened in October. Deavens will also be the first African American to lead the insurer in the company’s history.

“I am grateful for the confidence that Dan and the Board have expressed in me to lead this great company,” Deavens said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the tremendous Independence team, continuing our legacy of enabling access to affordable quality healthcare, driving innovation and promoting diversity and inclusion. At the same time, we will redouble our efforts to serve members and eradicate racial inequities that exist in the delivery of healthcare and other aspects of our society.”

The transition of the role takes effect Jan. 1, 2021.

2. David Gould moves from the Sixers Youth Foundation to top diversity post at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.

David Gould. (Courtesy photo)

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the org of sports teams and media properties that owns the 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, announced earlier this month it had named David Gould to the newly created position of chief diversity and impact officer.

Gould’s appointment comes less than a month after HBSE’s managing partners unveiled the company’s racial equity action plan, which includes a commitment of $20 million to fight systemic racism and champion equality. Gould will lead HBSE’s internal and external diversity and inclusion standards, programs and initiatives across the organization, the company said in a statement.

“As a Black man, former college athlete, and native Philadelphian, this work is deeply personal to me and I believe that the sports and entertainment industry has an important role to play in the push for social and racial equality,” Gould said in a statement. “It’s an honor to be leading this new priority for HBSE and I am excited for the positive impact we will have for both our staff and communities.”

Gould had been appointed executive director of the Sixers Youth Foundation in April 2020.