
Annual list recognizes upcoming industry leaders shaping the region
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) senior innovation consultant and cofounder of the B. PHL Innovation Fest Dan Whitzer has been named one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2021 “40 under 40.” Whitzer will appear in the publication’s May 21, 2021, issue and his accomplishments will be recognized during a virtual awards program for this year’s 40 Under 40 honorees on May 20.
The 40 under 40 list spotlights young professionals leaving an indelible imprint on our region. Decided by Philadelphia Business Journal’s editorial team, business and community leaders on the list are selected in part for carving a path forward and creating new opportunities for growth in their industries.
Whitzer joined Independence in 2018. During that time, he has curated and created content and programming that highlights innovation in unique, relatable, and relevant ways. Whitzer also cofounded the B. PHL Innovation Fest, an annual three-day innovation festival that began in 2019. The festival highlights Philadelphia as an excellent place to live and work; to create meaningful connections locally and globally between people and organizations doing innovative work; and ignite new ideas and inspire changemakers of the future.
Born and raised right outside of Philadelphia, Whitzer earned his bachelor’s degree from Rowan University and master’s degree from Northumbria University in Newcastle, England. Whitzer, who is always interested in widening his horizons, chose to study in England and live in an international apartment so he could learn from the people he lived with who were from Nigeria, South Korea, Northern Ireland, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
When not at work, Whitzer can be found playing drums in a band, coaching kids’ soccer, or volunteering his video production skills for Fred’s Footsteps Annual Young Professionals Golf Outing. Whitzer also volunteers with the 5 Shorts Project organization, a Black-owned and operated film and video production company.
A slideshow of the honorees can be viewed here.
Media contact:
Lisa Yoon
215-640-7701
Lisa.Yoon@ibx.com