Alumni Blog
Hilferty ’74 continues servant leadership into retirement
Posted March 24th, 2022
A Hermit’s work is never done, the post-retirement life of 1974 Hermits alumnus Dan Hilferty is proof of this fact. The former President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross has been busy following his well-deserved “ride-into-the-sunset.” This past fall, he was tabbed to lead the bid for the city of Philadelphia to host the 2026 World Cup. The savvy Philadelphia business veteran had the unquestioned support of previous World Cup Committee chair, David L. Cohen, and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. With his extensive experience hosting the visit of Pope Francis in 2015, the NFL Draft in 2017, and chairing the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia in tow, the city of brotherly love is confident that this champion of the Hermit Brotherhood is capable of leading the way.
“At every turn in his career, Dan has passionately stepped up to champion this city, ensuring Philadelphia takes its rightful place on the national and international stages.” – Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia
The Daniel J. Hilferty Center for Innovation is located on two floors in the Independence Blue Cross headquarters at 1901 Market St. in Philadelphia. Pictured from left to right: Thomas A. Leonard, Independence Board of Directors; Charles P. Pizzi, chair of the Independence Board of Directors; Joan Hilferty; Daniel J. Hilferty, former president and CEO; and Gregory E. Deavens, president and CEO. (Photo Courtesy: Independence Blue Cross/PhillyVoice.com
Further capping his “retired” life, the longtime healthcare executive was bestowed a special honor at the headquarters of his former company. In recognition of his time at the helm of Independence Blue Cross, the company’s Center of Innovation was renamed the Daniel J. Hilferty Center for Innovation. Fully occupying two floors of IBX’s towering Philadelphia headquarters, the sprawling space serves to provide an avenue for the company to continue advancing the immense progress made during Hilferty’s leadership. The proud Hermit shared, “Innovation is the lifeblood of a thriving company and community. The Center for Innovation represents a core tenet of what has made Independence a leader in health care nationally and corporate citizenship regionally for more than 80 years. I am honored to have my name associated with a space that I hope will inspire new ideas and positive change for decades to come.”
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Dan Hilferty’s achievements during his storied professional career are a strong example of life as a Hermit Brother entering a new chapter as an alumnus. The school is blessed to have many alumni who continue to represent the Prep with the same pride and vigor they held as students. Dan is a mainstay on a list of distinguished Hermits Alumni who have earned distinctions in education, athletics, medicine, business, and a variety of industries. Do you know a young man who is ready to become a “Man of Character” and follow in Dan’s footsteps? Help us share the St. Augustine Experience by encouraging prospective students and families to learn more about the admissions process by visiting hermits.com/applynow or contacting admissions@hermits.com today!
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