A proper alchemy is necessary to formulate the composition of a high-performance work team whose mission is to create lines of action that lead to exceptional policies and practices that contribute to the growth of Philadelphia’s economy.
Once again, the impeccable act in which the members of the Board of Directors of Philadelphia Works, Inc. are appointed, is motivated by personalities who will add their experiences, talents and knowledge to offer the city bold strategies that will lead it on the path to productivity.
Recently, Mayor James F. Kenney announced the selection of four new members for the Board of Directors of Philadelphia Works, which according to a press release, is integrated by a mixture of leaders from the business, nonprofit, labor and government sectors.
They will be part of the team responsible for making the strategic and financial decisions that provide economic opportunities to Philadelphia residents and for the sustainable growth of local employers.
The new executives
The individual talents of the chosen members were considered in order to strengthen the tasks of Philadelphia Works.
Emily Bittenbender, owner and managing partner of Bittenbender Construction, LP is one of the new directors. She runs a commercial general contractor and construction management firm owned and operated 100% by women and specializing in new construction, renovation and restoration projects.
In 2015, Bittenbender was named chairwoman of the Philadelphia chapter of the General Building Contractors Association, becoming the first female to hold the top post in the organization’s 124-year history. She also received the Paradigm Award from the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in 2016, the region’s most prestigious award for businesswomen. Bittenbender is a member of the board of directors of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, GBCA Executive Committee, Drexel University Closed School Advisory Board and the M&T Bank Director’s Advisory Board.
Brigitte Daniel, executive vice president of Wilco Electronic Systems, joins the group. Daniels is a national thought leader who focuses on addressing digital disparities and inequalities of inclusion within innovation ecosystems across the nation. Daniels was named advisor of the FCC’s Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment in 2017, was awarded an Eisenhower scholarship in 2011 and was recognized as one of the “Top Women in Technology” in 2016, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal.
For more than 40 years, Wilco Electronic Systems has been providing cable television, telecommunications and technology services to underserved communities across the Philadelphia region.
It is important to highlight the selection of Douglas Oliver, vice-president of communications for PECO. This important human resource member directs the company’s Brand and Reputation management strategies, Message Development, Media Relations, Advertising, Strategic Planning and social media platforms. Oliver also has under his talented leadership the team responsible for developing and executing the company’s Internal Communication and employee engagement strategies.
Prior to joining PECO, Oliver served as Vice President of External Affairs for Philadelphia Gas Works, Philadelphia City Press Secretary under Mayor Michael A. Nutter, and Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Oliver serves on the boards of the Philadelphia Youth Network, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and the Philadelphia Ad Club.
Finally there’s April Walker, director of the Microsoft Technology Center. April oversees Microsoft’s state-of-the-art innovation center, where companies in the Philadelphia metropolitan area get tactical directions to develop digital transformation strategies and solutions for their most complex business challenges.
She is a consummate executive with more than 25 years leading global organizations for some of the largest media, financial services, technology, energy and insurance companies in the country. Walker is not only a proven business leader, but also a technology champion, advocate and catalyst to drive cultural change for the advancement and inclusion of women and people of color in STEM careers.
Welcome words
Philadelphia Works, in the voice of H. Patrick Clancy, its president and CEO, said of the new directors that their knowledge and experience in both the private and public sectors will advance their efforts to improve Philadelphia’s professional talent and connect their skilled workers with local employers.
Philadelphia Works is the Workforce Development Board for the city, which invests in solutions and services to grow Philadelphia’s economy by connecting employers with workforce talent and career seekers with jobs. We advocate for public policies that support economic growth and optimize funding and resources to invest in regional solutions to build a skilled and prosperous workforce.
Translated by: José Espinoza
Noticias Newswire
