Dear PMI Community,

As a long-time volunteer, I began serving on the PMI Board of Directors over two years ago, and I am honored to now serve as Chair of the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee.

In 2023, shortly after I joined the Board, PMI began piloting a new membership model that integrates global and chapter membership into one seamless experience. The pilot launched in India, home to 11 chapters, and in 2025, an additional 39 countries adopted the model.

We know many of you may wonder about the “why” behind this significant change. The decision was made only after extensive research, member surveys, and feedback from across our professional community. The goal is to enhance the value of PMI membership and create stronger connections locally and globally.

At the national level, this model provides PMI with a stronger, unified voice and greater visibility, enabling deeper partnerships with governments, corporations, and industries—expanding advocacy for our profession.

For local chapters, this unified model opens access to a broader pool of members and volunteers, including many who were not previously connected to their local chapter. This creates new opportunities for growth, stronger events, and a more connected network.

An exciting benefit in development is the ability for members to search and participate in events not only at their local chapter, but also nationwide, globally, and by industry—fostering broader engagement and collaboration.

Early feedback has been encouraging, with positive trends in membership satisfaction and retention. With the support of our chapters, the expectation is to complete this phased transition by 2027, bringing a more valuable and connected membership experience to all. We remain committed to listening, learning, and ensuring this new model benefits every member of our global community.

Thank you for your dedication to PMI and to advancing our profession. We are excited about the future and the opportunities this membership model will unlock for all of us.

If you have questions, insights or topics you’d like us to address in future Board Perspectives columns of this newsletter, please use our online feedback form here, which can be used throughout the year to share your thoughts or insights. 

Sincerely,

Lynn Shannon, B.Ed, Dip.Sp.Ed, DASSM, PMP, PMI-PBA, PMO-CP
Audit & Risk Committee Chair and Director
PMI Board of Directors