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Evan Hirsch
Innovation, Design and Product Executive Leader
Professional Background
Evan Hirsch is a distinguished professional in the field of design and technology, known for his visionary leadership and innovative contributions to the industry. With an expansive career that spans over two decades, Evan has been at the forefront of various high-profile organizations, driving entrepreneurial innovation and creative development.
Evan's most recent role was as the Managing Director of Entrepreneurial Innovation for AHA Ventures at the American Heart Association, where he was instrumental in creating and promoting entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes. His leadership helped to merge technology and health, offering fresh solutions that align with the modern healthcare landscape.
Prior to joining the American Heart Association, Evan held the esteemed position of CEO and Co-founder at PlayNice Interactive, where he led the creation of engaging and impactful digital experiences. With a passion for fusing technology and creative design, he cultivated an environment that thrived on innovation and collaboration.
Evan's academic and professional journey includes being a Visiting Scholar at the renowned Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University. This experience enriched his understanding of the intersection between technology, design, and entertainment, which he has utilized in his many roles, including as Vice President of Design and UX at Carelon Digital for Elevance Health. His strategic vision for user experience has consistently resulted in enhanced product design and improved user satisfaction across all platforms.
As the Managing Director and Chief Design Officer at Health2047, Inc., Evan played a pivotal role in exploring new pathways for health tech, steering design strategies that significantly impacted healthcare innovation. His diverse experience also includes leadership positions on the Executive Committee of ACM SIGGRAPH, where he contributed to the advancement of computer graphics and interactive techniques.
Evan has also shared his expertise with future generations as an Adjunct Faculty member at Otis College of Art and Design, pouring his knowledge into young designers eager to make their mark in the industry. His extensive work history includes being the Executive Creative Director at Engine Co. 4 and Vice President of Creative Development at THQ, where he nurtured creative talent and helped develop groundbreaking projects in the gaming industry.
In addition to his leadership roles, Evan has contributed significantly to Microsoft in various senior positions, including Creative Director at Microsoft Live Labs and Sr. Design Director at Microsoft Surface. His work in product design at Microsoft has been influential, particularly in creating user-centric designs that have reshaped the technology experience.
Throughout his career, he has also worked in the animation industry as a 3D Supervisor at Vanguard Animation and in several roles at Electronic Arts, including being the Head of Visual Development for Worldwide Studios. These experiences afforded him diverse insights into design and animation processes, reinforcing his capability to lead multidisciplinary teams toward innovative solutions.
Education and Achievements
Evan Hirsch pursued his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial Design. His education provided a solid foundation in design principles, allowing him to develop the analytical and creative skills necessary to excel in various industries.
His notable achievements span numerous organizations, reflecting his versatility and commitment to excellence in design and technology. Evan has been pivotal in guiding teams to create user-centered products that not only achieve business goals but also enhance user experiences significantly.
Evan has been recognized for his contributions to design and innovation, leading teams to success in competitive and highly technical environments. His ability to merge creativity with analytical thinking sets him apart as a leader in the design world.
Achievements
- Entrepreneurial Innovation: At AHA Ventures, Evan led initiatives focused on leveraging technology for health advancements, showcasing his ability to combine entrepreneurship with meaningful impact.
- Leadership in Gaming: His roles at THQ, Microsoft, and Electronic Arts showcase his deep understanding and contributions to the gaming industry, pushing the boundaries of game design and user interaction.
- Educational Influence: As an Adjunct Faculty member, he has contributed to shaping the next generation of designers, offering insights from his extensive experience in the field.
- Creative Direction: In several leadership roles across different organizations, Evan has successfully guided teams through complex projects, proving his capability to inspire innovation and deliver exceptional results.
tags=[
Innovation in healthcare
Design leadership
Creative development
User experience design
Entrepreneurship
BFA Industrial Design
Game design
Technology and healthcare
Education and mentoring
Multidisciplinary teamwork
Executive leadership
Digital experiences
Animation and visual development
Product design strategy
Design thinking methodologies
Advancements in technology
Location
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