So, So Much Pittsburgh Tech Council Member News!
AHN Jefferson Hospital Launches New Ion Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Technology
Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Jefferson Hospital is expanding its capabilities for diagnosing lung disease and lung cancer by preparing to introduce a new technology designed to advance the diagnoses of lung disease and lung cancer, with the upcoming arrival of the Ion Endoluminal System, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technology from Intuitive Surgical.
The Ion system will be new to AHN Jefferson Hospital and is designed to help interventional pulmonologists navigate deep into the lung to reach small, peripheral nodules that might otherwise be inaccessible through traditional biopsy methods.
The system’s ultra-thin robotic catheter enters through the patient’s mouth and throat, allowing for a guided, real-time, 3D imaging approach to bronchoscopy that enhances accuracy and precision in sampling tissue, and reduces complication risks for patients.
“When a patient has a suspicious lung nodule, getting an accurate diagnosis is an important first step in determining the right treatment,” said Stephanie Baltaji, MD, interventional pulmonologist at AHN Jefferson Hospital. “Ion gives us a new, minimally invasive way to navigate to nodules that can be challenging to reach and obtain tissue for diagnosis. Bringing this technology to Jefferson means our patients can have access to advanced diagnostic care closer to home.”
The addition of Ion further strengthens Jefferson Hospital’s multidisciplinary approach to lung care, bringing together specialists across pulmonary and surgical disciplines to evaluate patients with suspicious lung nodules and determine the most appropriate course of care.
Data Ideology Achieves Elite Partner Status with Snowflake
Data Ideology, a data, analytics and AI consulting firm focused on delivering measurable business outcomes, today announced that it has achieved Elite Partner status within the Snowflake Partner Network, marking a significant milestone in the company’s relationship with Snowflake.
Elite represents the highest partner tier for Snowflake AI Data Cloud Services Partners and reflects demonstrated Snowflake expertise, customer success, certifications, and continued investment in helping organizations get more value from the platform.
For Data Ideology, the recognition reinforces a broader focus: helping organizations move beyond simply adopting modern data technology and build the foundation required to put it to work.
“AI has raised the stakes around data. Companies can experiment with new tools all they want, but if the underlying data isn’t trusted, accessible, and built for how the business needs to use it, they’re going to hit a wall,” said Mike Sargo, Chief Data Officer and Co-Founder of Data Ideology. “Our work with Snowflake has always been about that bigger picture, helping organizations modernize their data foundation, solve real business problems and create something they can continue building on.”
Data Ideology works with organizations across data strategy, architecture, engineering, governance, analytics and AI, connecting technology decisions to practical business outcomes. Its Snowflake experience includes complex enterprise modernization programs, migrations, and multi-year initiatives that help organizations consolidate legacy infrastructure, improve access to trusted data, and establish scalable foundations for analytics and AI.
“Elite status is an exciting milestone, but what matters to us is what it allows us to do next with Snowflake and our clients,” said Toby George, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder of Data Ideology. “Organizations don’t need technology for technology’s sake. They need a partner who can identify where Snowflake can create measurable business value, build the right data foundation, and execute. Elite strengthens our ability to work alongside Snowflake to help clients move faster from opportunity to outcome.”
The milestone comes as Data Ideology continues to expand its work with Snowflake on data modernization and emerging AI capabilities. Data Ideology and Snowflake have also collaborated on initiatives that bring together business and technology leaders to explore how Snowflake’s evolving capabilities can address real enterprise challenges and deliver measurable value.
HIKE2 Adds Branden Bellanca as Principal, Enterprise Delivery & Engineering
HIKE2 announced today the appointment of Branden Bellanca as the company’s new Principal, Enterprise Delivery & Engineering.
Bellanca is a 25x Salesforce Certified Architect with more than 13 years of experience guiding Salesforce and broader technology transformation programs. He is highly respected for combining his executive perspective with years of deep architecture and delivery expertise which bridge business priorities with technical execution.
“I am overjoyed to join the HIKE2 team and to help reinforce the organization’s reputation of delivering high-level strategies and solutions for their clients,” says Bellanca. “Together, we will arm teams with the transformative programs they need to excel in the next workforce evolution.”
Bellanca most recently spent a combined seven years at CGI (2021-2026), rising to the role of Vice President Consulting Services, Salesforce. There, he led Salesforce consulting, architecture and delivery, overseeing practice strategy, client relationships and growth. He also managed the State of Ohio technology portfolio, providing executive and architectural oversight across major cross-agency modernization programs. He was a leader in AI-enabled delivery initiatives, using generative AI and agentic tooling to improve, design, develop and document.
Bellanca also is the Chairman & Founder of Buckeye Dreamin’ Salesforce Community Conference, an annual exhibition which attracts more than 300 global Salesforce professionals.
“Branden is an expert in AI-enabled delivery, and his knowledge will impact the results HIKE2 delivers immediately, helping our clients plan, build and implement technology as they move their businesses forward,” says HIKE2 Principal & Founder Amanda Wodzenski. “He is deeply connected within the Salesforce global community, and his viewpoints will add so much value to all our future conversations.”
Bellanca also boasts nearly five years (2014-18) with NetJets, rising to Lead Developer, Salesforce. There, he led Salesforce architecture for global contract and billing management transformation, as well as designed solutions across Salesforce and Apttus CPX/CLM, aligning platform architecture with global business requirements.
His background also includes stints with: Safelite AutoGlass, American Chemical Society, Manifest Solutions and West Virginia University. Bellanca also is a Leader for Columbus Salesforce Architect Community Group and an author for SalesforceBen.com, the largest dedicated Salesforce news site in the world.
Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) Announces Board Leadership Transition
William Sapon is stepping down from the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities and Communities (PRCC) Board of Directors after nearly a decade of service, including a three-year term as Board President. During his tenure, Sapon helped guide PRCC through a period of leadership transition, organizational change and strategic growth, positioning the coalition for its next chapter.
Sapon joined PRCC as a coalition member, chaired several Board committees and served in multiple leadership roles before being elected to the Board of Directors in 2020. In 2023, the Board elected Sapon to serve as President of the Board of Directors.
Sapon guided PRCC through a pivotal period of organizational change, including a major leadership transition, multiple Board retirements, changes in federal funding, and important conversations about the coalition’s long-term strategic direction.
Under Sapon's leadership, the Board established a Leadership Transition and Succession Planning Committee to oversee the Executive Director search. During this transition, Sapon helped PRCC maintain operational stability, stakeholder confidence and uninterrupted service to the region. In March, the Board appointed Lisa Iadicicco as PRCC’s new Executive Director.
Sapon strengthened Board governance and long-term planning. He led PRCC's inaugural Board retreat, which brought Board members together to establish a shared vision for the organization's future, identify strategic priorities and evaluate Board effectiveness. Those efforts helped position PRCC to navigate organizational change while maintaining a strategic focus.
Under his leadership, PRCC maintained strong relationships with the U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) and helped secure the coalition's highest level of funding through its Cooperative Agreement. The organization also welcomed several new Board members, expanded stakeholder engagement and strengthened its governance structure to support future growth.
As Board President, Sapon also led an annual Pennsylvania delegation to the Transportation Energy Partners (TEP) policy forum in Washington, D.C., where coalition leaders met with Members of Congress to highlight the economic, environmental and energy security benefits of the Clean Cities and Communities partnership. Those efforts demonstrate the value of sustained federal investment and the significant private-sector investment leveraged through coalition activities.
Sapon also supported PRCC's workforce development initiatives through partnerships with the U.S. DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory. The collaboration created internship and cooperative education opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in the region to prepare the next generation of clean transportation professionals.
The Board of Directors, Executive Director and staff extend their sincere appreciation to William Sapon for his years of dedicated service, thoughtful leadership and steadfast commitment to PRCC's mission.