Heylo Names ShiftAbility’s Brian Hart Chief Executive Officer
Cincinnati, OH – October 9, 2025 – Heylo, a new technology company focused on reimagining remote support for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), today named Brian Hart as its first Chief Executive Officer. Built within the Vessel Shipyard venture studio, Heylo combines intuitive software, reliable hardware, and a human-first approach to address one of the most underserved populations in modern care.
“When we started exploring this market, Brian Hart was one of the first people we spoke to. He quickly became a key advisor and helped us shape a product offering that delivers real value to our customers,” said Will Zell, Co-Founder of Heylo and Managing Partner at Vessel. “We’re excited to welcome Brian as CEO of Heylo as we build a category-defining product for I/DD agencies.”
Brian Hart brings his nationally recognized expertise in the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) space to lead the company. Brian currently leads ShiftAbility, a consulting firm advocating for innovation to solve the big problems of the I/DD space for agencies, states, and MCOs. Under his leadership, ShiftAbility has helped transform service delivery in over a dozen states, guiding hundreds of individuals and dozens of provider agencies through the shift from traditional in-person caregiving to scalable, technology-enabled remote support models. With a proven track record of driving systems change, Brian and his team at ShiftAbility have not only modernized outdated support structures but also empowered agencies to take control of their staffing crises and deliver more flexible, person-centered services. This deep field experience positions Brian to bring unmatched insight and credibility to Heylo’s mission of revolutionizing remote support through purpose-built technology.
“Heylo is, above all, about the people who use it,” said Hart. “We’re not building technology for its own sake; we’re creating solutions that empower people with disabilities to live safer, more independent, and more connected lives. And, we’re empowering the agencies who care for them with the tools to keep going even as resources shrink and demands grow. In a system stretched thin, Heylo offers a way forward rooted in dignity, efficiency, and human connection.”
Heylo’s early work is backed by state innovation funding, and the company has already signed on customers in Kansas, Pennsylvania, and New York. With a launch that blends design excellence, high-touch service, and public systems know-how, Heylo is positioned to become a national leader in remote support.
Heylo and ShiftAbility will continue to operate as independent organizations. Both are united by a shared vision to expand independence, inclusion, and access through technology. ShiftAbility will remain focused on consulting and large-scale system transformation for provider agencies, managed care organizations, and state partners, while Heylo will continue advancing its technology platform to power remote supports at scale. Together, the two companies are aligned in mission and purpose, driving innovation across the disability services sector and redefining how technology can enhance independence and quality of life.
About Heylo
Heylo is a human-centered remote support platform built to empower individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and the agencies that support them. Combining intuitive software, dependable hardware, and high-touch service, Heylo delivers scalable, state-ready solutions that enhance independence, safety, and dignity. Founded in venture investment firm Vessel’s studio and led by CEO Brian Hart, Heylo partners with care providers and state systems to modernize outdated approaches and close critical gaps in care. With early backing from state innovation funds and an expert team, Heylo is setting a new standard for how remote support should work—for everyone. Learn more at www.heylo.tech
About Vessel
Vessel is a venture investment firm focused on early-stage innovation in the Midwest and beyond. Built by operators, not just investors, Vessel combines capital, coaching, and connectivity to support founders from the earliest stages of building. Through its integrated platform, including the Flagship Studio Fund, Carto Advisory, Shipyard Venture Studio, and the United States Angel Collective, Vessel bridges the gap between builders and backers, delivering institutional-grade rigor with hands-on operational support. Vessel exists to unlock the potential of overlooked regions and accelerate the next generation of enduring companies. Learn more at www.buildvessel.com.
About Shiftability
ShiftAbility is a transformation consulting firm specializing in technology-first service models for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). With deep expertise in enabling technology, remote supports, and person-centered planning, ShiftAbility partners with provider agencies and state systems to modernize service delivery, increase independence, and address workforce challenges. Founded by CEO Brian Hart, ShiftAbility has led successful system transformation initiatives in over a dozen states, supporting hundreds of individuals and providers in moving from traditional caregiver models to scalable, tech-enabled solutions. Through training, policy design, and hands-on technical assistance, ShiftAbility empowers agencies to build sustainable in-house remote support capacity. Learn more at www.shiftabilityconsult.com.