Meet the SpruceID Team: Jacob Healy

About Jacob

My journey began with math and being interested in problems, but no problem in particular.  I was fortunate to find a great company solving important problems early in my career, where I could dive into development and IT implementation for government agencies.  That led to managing large-scale software implementations, where I landed on the particular problem of just how to get complex things done - process development and building strong teams.

I eventually decided to move on to SpruceID as the Product Delivery Lead because I think that digital identity is a particular problem that needs to be solved, and SpruceID is able to do it, do it right, and affords me the opportunity to contribute significantly and quickly to that goal.

Can you tell us about your role at SpruceID?

At SpruceID, I tackle the gap between “we should do this” and “we did this.” As the one ultimately accountable for the success of project execution across the organization, I have the opportunity to wear many hats, the privilege of working closely with everyone in the organization, and the honor of collaborating directly with and delivering value to all of our clients.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

The most rewarding aspect of my role is seeing the tangible impact of our work on government agencies and, ultimately, the public. Implementing innovative digital credentialing solutions that streamline processes and enhance security gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Additionally, building, leading, and collaborating with a high-performing team that consistently delivers successful outcomes is incredibly fulfilling.

What are some of the most important qualities for someone in your role to have, in your opinion?

Adaptability, a steady hand, and the ability to learn quickly and hold context.  Seeing the forest through the trees is critical for overall success. It's important to navigate complex projects, engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, and make informed decisions that balance various priorities, often in real-time. Being able to hold the line and understand both technical and business aspects is essential. 

What are you currently learning, or what do you hope to learn?

It feels like everything, all the time. There is always something new in the digital identity space but being in such a fast moving startup keeps me on my toes in all ways.  I learn something new everyday from my colleagues and partners about scaling teams, processes, and tech.

What has been the most memorable moment for you at SpruceID so far?

There have been many, but one that stands out was kicking off our work with the State of Utah. It was really fun to go to Salt Lake City and meet with some great technologists, talk about verifiable digital credentials, and explore how the Department of Natural Resources could use them for off-highway Vehicle Permits. And then seeing it all launch later, of course. 

What's the best piece of advice you’ve received since starting here?

The best piece of advice I've received since starting at SpruceID is to embrace a growth mindset.  The special twist, or magnification, a startup has on this has given me a new point of view.  I've learned that viewing challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles encourages innovation and resilience. This perspective has empowered me to tackle complex projects with confidence and to continuously develop both personally and professionally.

What is some advice that you’d give to someone in your role who is early in their career?

Embrace continuous learning and remain adaptable. The technology landscape is always evolving, so staying curious will help you navigate changes effectively. Building strong relationships with your team and stakeholders is also key to successful project delivery.  Maybe more than anything though, pay attention.  You never know when that random conversation or piece of information will be the exact thing you need.  Good enough and great outcomes are often separated by Slumdog Millionaire Moments. 

How do you define success in your role, and how do you measure it?

The easy answer here is to make sure we meet the objective, have the impact we intended, and take into account our strategic goals.  I like to add some qualifiers, though, the ends do not always justify the means.  How does the team feel? How does the client feel? Did we do right by the customer and ourselves?  If yes, then success. 

Fun Facts

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?: Raising my kids, trying to make the most of every minute.

What is your favorite coding language (and why?): My favorite coding language is whatever gets the job done when and how it needs to be done. I defer this to the wiser, more engineering-focused minds. 

If you could be any tree, what tree would you be and why?: If I could be any tree, I would be an Ent (from the world of Tolkien). Ents are wise guardians of the forest—embodying strength, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. They are not just passive observers; they take action to protect what they care about. Similarly, I strive to be as thoughtful of a leader as I can, who actively works to safeguard and nurture the people I work with and projectsI work on, pursuing growth and harmony.

Interested in joining our team? Check out our open roles and apply online!

About SpruceID: SpruceID is building a future where users control their identity and data across all digital interactions.