Blog

Dear PMI Phoenix Chapter Members, 

Boy, do I have a lot to report since my last letter to you in March: First, I want to share that this is now our 45th year as a PMI Chapter! We are actively planning a fall celebration to mark this milestone. Watch for more information about the event. We’re in need of an Event Project Manager and Event Coordinator to assist in planning this event. If you’re interested, see the details here. 

In more exciting news, Shane Cretacci, our Past-Board Chair has received the 2023 PMI Chapter Leadership Impact Award. Shane served as the Board Chair during the pandemic period when multiple board director roles were vacant. While filling those responsibilities, he helped to successfully launch our robust social good program and partnered to participate in the PMI Xchange events. In addition, he implemented a virtual platform and multiple process efficiencies that enabled our chapter to provide member value during Covid. Help me congratulate Shane for his outstanding leadership and commitment to this Chapter! 

I again want to mention our partnership with the PMI Tucson Chapter and Arizona State University (ASU) Project Management Network to offer a two-day Project Management Summit this fall: September 29th will provide a virtual option, and September 30th will be an all-day in-person option. You can attend one or both, so mark your calendars and be watching for news on this exciting event. 

We are working on infusing a diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategy across the entire chapter in all that we do. We are committed to ensuring we proactively consider and evaluate how we represent and support all our members and volunteers. Help us make this a welcoming and inclusive chapter. 

Our annual Board of Director elections nominations has just opened: We are looking for one Board Chair-Elect and three Board Directors. If you’re interested or want to see more about what this might mean, check out the details here. I began volunteering to grow my project management connections and community in the Phoenix area, and I have been rewarded with both personal and professional growth as a result. You never know what you can learn by taking on a new role or helping out on an event. 

Did you know we have a PMI Phoenix Job Board and a link to the PMI Job Board? If you’re looking for a job in project management or have a job to post, check out these resources. 

I also want to recognize the outstanding commitment of our volunteers. We are a volunteer-run organization, and I am consistently amazed at what we can do with volunteers who have only a couple of hours a week or month to help. Through our volunteers we have been able to offer exceptional programs and events, such as: 

• Three eight-week PMP Credential Study Groups each year to help people prepare for their PMP exam. Our last study group ended May 6th and the next Study Group begins July 8th. We are looking for both participants and facilitators. 
• Providing judges for the annual International Christian School STEM Competition April 22nd at Grand Canyon University – the competition provides STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) competitions for students in grades 7-12 at Christian schools across the United States and internationally. Our Academic Outreach volunteers work to establish relationships and collaborations with schools and universities to educate about project management principles. If you’re interested in helping, check out the volunteer opportunities. 

• Two Mentorship Programs each year – the last group graduated May 17th and our next one will begin this summer – it is continually growing, so if you’re interested in being mentored or being a mentor, be watching for the announcement. 
• Our monthly speaker breakfast meeting that routinely averages 100 attendees – the variety of speakers and information offered for professional development is always exceptional. Check out our past breakfast meeting recordings in our webinar library. 
• In-person networking events both in the Phoenix and Yuma areas, with plans to expand to other areas around the state. If you live in an area outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area and are interested in hosting a networking event in your area, please reach out to Derick.Brownell@pmiphx.org and Cynthia-Ford@pmiphx.org. 
• Partnerships with PMI Authorized Training Partners and the International Institute for Learning (IIL). These partnerships bring you valuable training and professional development opportunities. 

Watch our newsletter, Facebook page, Instagram, LinkedIn, and website for details on all these programs and events, along with much more. If you are interested in volunteering, click here. 

To stay up to date on everything your membership provides you, keep an eye on our monthly calendar, as we add new speakers and events throughout the month. 

Thank you for joining the PMI Phoenix Chapter. You are a valued member, and I want you to get as much benefit from your membership as you can.  

Stephanie Hanko 

2023 PMI Phoenix Chapter Board Chair