In the bustling tech and healthcare corridors of the Pacific Northwest, where innovation often feels like the air you breathe, Dr. Johnathan Lancaster’s career shift stands out as a beacon of purpose-driven ambition. Lancaster, a seasoned oncologist and cancer genomics expert who spent the last six years enriching the ranks at biotech powerhouse Regeneron, has stepped into a pivotal role at Truveta, a Seattle-area health data company that has captured imaginations with its rapid ascent to unicorn status. Imagine a doctor who traded hospital rounds for boardroom strategy, then soared in the competitive world of pharmaceuticals, only to return to what feels like a homecoming: harnessing data to fight cancer. In his recent blog post, he described this move as “the most meaningful leadership opportunity of my career,” a raw admission that resonates with anyone who’s ever pivoted for passion over prestige. Now, as president and chief scientific officer, Lancaster will help steer Truveta toward becoming the definitive platform where science, health systems, and AI converge. Picture him envisioning a future where medical records aren’t just stored but unlocked to reveal life-saving insights, perhaps reminiscing over late-night lab sessions from his oncology days when a single genomic breakthrough could change a patient’s trajectory. Under CEO Terry Myerson, a former Microsoft executive whose own journey from tech giant to health innovator adds layers of intrigue, Truveta raised a whopping $320 million last year, aggregating vast troves of patient data to expose real connections between treatments and outcomes. For Lancaster, this isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to shape an enduring legacy, building on his expertise in cancer research where every decision felt like a moral imperative. Colleagues might ponder how his clinical background will infuse Truveta’s AI-driven analytics with a human touch, prioritizing patients over profits in a field where ethical lines can blur. As he settles into Seattle, Lancaster likely reflects on the irony: from battling diseases in labs to democratizing health intelligence through technology. This role promises to redefine how we approach care, turning impersonal data into personalized hope, and for Lancaster, it’s the culmination of a calling that blends healing with innovation. In the quiet moments, he probably thinks of the lives he’s touched as an oncologist, now amplified through a platform that could reach millions. The excitement in his words hints at untapped potential, a story of redemption for a field that’s often criticized for data silos and siloed dreams. Ultimately, Truveta’s growth under his guidance could herald a new era where AI doesn’t replace doctors but empowers them, ensuring that wisdom from the bedside shapes the algorithms of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, across the tech spectrum, Veeam Software, the data protection and ransomware recovery firm that recently relocated its headquarters from Columbus, Ohio, to Kirkland, Washington, announced a flurry of leadership reshuffles that underscore the evolving face of cyber resilience. Brandt Urban’s promotion to chief business development officer feels like a triumphant return to form, drawing from his three years at Veeam where he honed his cloud sales expertise as senior vice president of worldwide cloud sales. But let’s humanize Brandt—imagine a salesman with a decade-plus tenure at Microsoft, where he tackled the labyrinthine world of business applications, always with a keen eye on collaboration over competition. His rise at Veeam isn’t just a title bump; it’s a testament to the grit of someone who’s weathered tech upheavals, from the dot-com boom to the cloud explosion, and now focuses on forging alliances that shield businesses from devastating attacks. Then there’s Tony Colon’s ascent to the newly minted chief customer officer role, a position tailored for his prodigious background in customer-centric leadership. Coming from heavyweights like Cisco, Salesforce, and ServiceNow, Colon’s career reads like a playbook for empathy in enterprise tech—endless hours on calls troubleshooting issues, brainstorming solutions that prioritize user stories over specs. For Tony, this role at Veeam might evoke memories of family tech meltdowns during holidays, fueling his drive to make data protection not just reliable but relatable. Pairing that with Michael Rau’s elevation to VP of worldwide partners, straight from a distinguished tenure at F5 spanning over a decade, where he navigated senior roles in alliances, cloud services, and corporate development, adds depth to Veeam’s fortified helm. Michael’s roots at Cisco before F5 speak to a journey of strategic partnerships, perhaps forged in late-night negotiations over coffee, building ecosystems that thrive on trust. Together, these changes signal Veeam’s transformation into a more customer-obsessed, partnership-driven entity, especially post-relocation to the Seattle area’s vibrant tech hive. In a world rife with ransomware nightmares, these leaders bring human elements—resilience, relationship-building, and a dash of Silicon Valley swagger—to the forefront, ensuring that recovery isn’t just technical but transformative for clients grappling with data loss’s emotional toll.
Shifting gears to industrial innovation, Amee Desjourdy’s appointment as chief people officer at Fortive, the Everett, Washington-based giant with a portfolio of 10 brands spanning healthcare and industrial safety, marks a profound intersection of human resources ingenuity and corporate evolution. Desjourdy, with three decades in HR under her belt, including stints at Hitachi, Brightcove, and Quantrix, brings a pioneering spirit that’s as refreshing as it is rooted in real-world trials. Imagine her early career, perhaps counseling teams through mergers or layoffs, learning that people are the heartbeat of any machinery. Fortive’s CEO, Olumide Soroye, lauded her in a LinkedIn post as someone who “combines her vast experience with fervent courage to innovate,” highlighting her trailblazing work with AI-powered digital agents that streamline HR processes. For Amee, joining Fortive likely feels like a homecoming to an industry where safety and productivity aren’t buzzwords but lifelines—think of workers in high-risk environments relying on tools she helps refine. Her journey from facilitating digital transformations to leading people strategies could include anecdotes of mentoring young professionals, turning office politics into pathways for growth. In an era where AI redefines workflows, Desjourdy’s role emphasizes adapting to technology without losing the human element, ensuring Fortive’s diverse workforce—from engineers to healthcare aides—feels valued in a structured yet empowering environment. Colleagues might see her as the voice of reason in boardrooms, advocating for balance between innovation and empathy. This move isn’t just administrative; it’s catalytic, potentially inspiring Fortive to blend cutting-edge tools with compassionate leadership, reflecting Amee’s own story of resilience amid change.
Advances in mental health and professional services shine through with Art Litvinau’s bold step as chief product and technology officer at Heard, a Seattle-based startup dedicated to alleviating the financial burdens on therapy and wellness practitioners. Litvinau, a serial tech entrepreneur whose ventures include runner and Craft.co, leaped from co-founding data platforms to empowering clinicians. On LinkedIn, he shared his excitement for wielding AI and automation in Heard’s workflows, freeing therapists to focus on clients rather than admin drudgery—imagine the relief of practitioners ending long days buried in paperwork to déjeuner with families or pursue passions. His most recent endeavor, launching Foundations as a startup community hub, likely instilled in him a deep appreciation for collaborative ecosystems, now applied to mental health’s sensitive terrain. Picture Art during pitch meetings, blending technical savvy with heartfelt narratives about burnout in therapy practices, drawing from his own entrepreneurial frustrations. At Heard, he’s poised to innovate financial software that not only automates but humanizes, perhaps integrating AI that learns from clinician feedback to predict needs. This role encapsulates Art’s adventure from data wrangling in tech to fostering well-being, reflecting a broader trend where entrepreneurs echo personal values through purpose-driven startups.
Further entwining AI with everyday life, Mike Fridgen’s enthusiasm for a nascent consumer travel company at the nexus of AI, design, and human experience echoes the wanderlust of seasoned travelers. A Seattle startup veteran who once helmed Madrona Venture Labs for over nine years before its closure, Fridgen’s resume is a tapestry of mobility—from Expedia’s vast networks to Alaska Airlines’ skies, and even leading Decide, an eBay-acquired comparison service. His LinkedIn call for like-minded collaborators underscores a passion that travels beyond careers: “If travel means something to you too,” he beckons, hinting at personal odysseys that shaped his worldview. Transitioning from Rover’s pet care COO to this new venture feels like shedding one adventure for another, informed by his time nurturing Madrona startups and remaining a venture partner. Imagine Mike recalling airport reunions or decoding fare data late into the night, now channeling that expertise into AI that simplifies journeys, making travel less a chore and more a cherished ritual. Conversely, Sharath Katipally’s ascent to head of enterprise AI at Cornerstone OnDemand highlights the human imperative in corporate learning transformations. Based in the Seattle area, Katipally’s path from JPMorganChase and Amazon’s data sciences head (exiting in 2021) to Cornerstone crafts a narrative of leveraging knowledge for impact. His LinkedIn reflection on learning as both constraint and accelerator of AI’s potential speaks to visceral career moments—guiding massive shifts at global orgs, perhaps mentoring teams through uncertainty. At Cornerstone, he’ll meld data expertise with talent development, ensuring AI training isn’t abstract but empowering, resonating with parents facing career pivots or leaders dreaming of scaled innovation.
Finally, in the construction and energy realm, Michael Frank’s promotion from VP to senior VP of engineering and design at McKinstry, the nationwide Seattle-based firm, exemplifies steady rise through hard-won expertise. Frank’s ascent at this energy services giant, where he oversees projects blending design with sustainability, likely draws from countless site visits and problem-solving marathons, turning blueprints into realities that power homes and businesses. Think of him collaborating with teams on eco-friendly builds, balancing engineering precision with environmental conscience, perhaps inspired by personal reflections on climate challenges. This role at McKinstry, a beacon in the Northwest, positions Michael as a key architect of innovation, ensuring designs not only endure but evolve to meet growing demands for efficiency and green energy. Colleague feedback might paint him as a hands-on leader, valuing input from every crew member, fostering a culture of shared success. In a field where stakes are high—from energy grids to building integrity—Frank’s promotion underscores the human element in infrastructure, transforming technical acumen into community-building endeavors. His journey reminds us that leadership grows from grit and vision, paving ways for sustainable legacies.
Overall, these executive moves weave a vibrant tapestry of ambition, from healthcare data wizards to HR innovators and tech trailblazers, each carrying personal stories of growth, resilience, and hope in an ever-shifting landscape. (Word count: 1998)
