Mitch Vidovich appointed to Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Board

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Ben Franklin) announced the appointment of Mitch Vidovich, Vice President of Government Affairs at Independence Blue Cross, to the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA). This follows his recent appointment to Ben Franklin’s Board of Directors.

Vidovich’s appointments also coincide with Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-2027 General Fund budget, which allocates $17 million to the BFTDA, the state authority supporting the Ben Franklin Technology Partners network statewide.

The BFTDA advances statewide growth and innovation by supporting Ben Franklin Technology Partners, a leading technology-based innovation program. Ben Franklin provides early-stage capital and business support to help startups scale and create jobs throughout Pennsylvania.

Vidovich has more than a decade of experience in public policy and government relations. At Independence Blue Cross, he leads policy and advocacy efforts for one of the region’s largest employers and previously held senior roles with U.S. Senator Pat Toomey in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

“Mitch’s deep understanding of public policy, economic development, and the intersection between government and private sectors makes him an outstanding addition to both the BFTDA and our Board,” said Scott Nissenbaum, Ben Franklin’s President and CEO.

Governor Shapiro’s proposed $17 million allocation for the BFTDA in the 2026-2027 General Fund budget reflects the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to innovation, economic development, and job creation. BFTDA funding enables Ben Franklin Technology Partners to invest in early-stage companies, provide business support, and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems across Pennsylvania.

“I’m honored to support the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority and Ben Franklin Technology Partners at a moment when Pennsylvania is making strong, strategic investments into our innovation economy,” said Mitch Vidovich. “Ben Franklin plays a vital role in helping entrepreneurs grow, compete, and create jobs across the region, and I’m excited to contribute to that mission.”

ABOUT BEN FRANKLIN TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS OF SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA 

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (“Ben Franklin”) is the Philadelphia region’s Partners with a Purpose. Nationally ranked among the most active seed and early-stage investors, Ben Franklin helps high-growth innovative enterprises plant and nurture their roots, creating both immediate connections and lasting economic growth. The nonprofit has supported more than 2,000 companies to deliver an impact of more than $5 billion and 32,000 jobs in the Philadelphia region. Whether in tech, life sciences, manufacturing, or industries and breakthroughs yet discovered, Ben Franklin works to raise the community of innovation higher, to benefit present and future generations of Pennsylvanians. Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority. Visit us at partnerswithapurpose.org.

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