Building the Future of Higher Ed Websites with Josh Koenig

In this episode, Jeff Dillon is joined by Josh Koenig, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Pantheon, a WebOps platform transforming how website teams deliver exceptional digital experiences.

With over two decades of experience in web development and online engagement, Josh shares his incredible journey—from his early days building political campaign platforms like DeanSpace for Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential run to co-founding Chapter Three and ultimately Pantheon.

Josh dives into how Pantheon grew to become a leading WebOps platform, particularly excelling in the higher education sector, and explains how the company’s “productization” of consulting expertise addressed key challenges in web development collaboration and scalability. We discuss how his transition from Head of Product to Chief Strategy Officer allows him to focus on big-picture strategies that align with industry trends and customer needs.

He also reflects on how web development has evolved over the years, offering key insights into the future of WebOps in higher education and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, Josh’s lessons on leadership, innovation, and navigating complex digital ecosystems are sure to inspire.

Guest Profile

• Josh Koenig Position: Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Pantheon
• Over 20 years in web development
• Founder of DeanSpace (Howard Dean 2004 campaign)
• Co-founder of Chapter Three
• WebOps innovation leader

Key Insights

• Transformation of web development consulting into product
• WebOps platform specialization in higher education
• Evolution of digital experience platforms
• Transition from product leadership to strategic leadership

Critical Observations

• Web development landscape constantly evolving
• Higher education requires specialized digital solutions
• Consulting expertise can be productized
• Technology collaboration needs innovative approaches

Strategic Insights

• Pantheon's approach to solving web development challenges
• Scaling web technologies for complex institutional needs
• Bridging gap between consulting and product development
• Future-proofing digital experience platforms

Episode Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Josh Koenig

03:00 - Consulting to Product Transformation

07:13 - Higher Education Web Platform Challenges

12:26 - Digital Experience Platforms Overview

16:09 - From Political Campaigns to Startup World

19:35 - Defining "Productization"

24:40 - WebOps Outsourcing Benefits

29:24 - Career Advice for Web Professionals

Key Takeaways

• WebOps is revolutionizing digital experiences
• Strategic adaptability is crucial in tech leadership
• Specialized platforms can solve complex digital challenges
• Continuous learning is essential in web development

Links

• Pantheon Website: www.pantheon.io
• Josh Koenig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkoenig/
• Pantheon on EdTech Connect: https://edtechconnect.com/software/digital-experience-accessibility/pantheon/1394/