The PMI Chapter Leadership Impact Award recognizes outstanding Chapter Leaders for their extraordinary and/or meritorious volunteer service to their Chapter or Region. In its inaugural year, the award review committee selected 12 recipients for 2023. Congratulations to all!
PMI Goiás, Brazil Chapter
Region 13 –
Brazil, Latin America
Welma Alves de Melo
Welma Alves de Melo has been a PMI volunteer for 13 years, significantly contributing to the PMI Goiás, Brazil Chapter and the broader Brazilian project management community. She has held multiple leadership roles, including Marketing Deputy Director, Director of Professional Development, Vice President, and President, and currently serves as Vice-President of Administration and Finance. Ms. Melo has led numerous initiatives such as the PMP Drive Campaign, Campus Party Goiás, and the "GP em forma" program, which promotes work/life balance for project managers. Her efforts have extended beyond her chapter, fostering partnerships with local universities, organizing the annual chapter congress, and representing PMI at various events. She has also been actively involved in the Integração Nacional (IN), a collaborative network of Brazilian PMI chapters, and has led significant national initiatives. Known for her collaborative yet firm leadership style, Ms. Melo's contributions have earned her recognition among chapter leaders and within the PMI Chapter Engagement team in the PMI Latin America region. Her dedication has driven the PMI Goiás Chapter to prominence, and she continues to influence the project management community in Brazil.
PMI Toronto Chapter
Region 3 –
Northeast North America
Michael Becker
Serving as Director, President, and Past President, Michael Becker has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the PMI Toronto Chapter's success. Under his leadership, the chapter underwent a comprehensive review, simplifying processes, enhancing efficiency, and reducing costs. He voluntarily took on additional roles, including Executive Director, during this transition period. Michael championed the adoption of technology tools to support process simplification and collaborated closely with the acting Chapter President to establish a clear strategic plan and budget. He revitalized the chapter's culture, focusing on member value and respecting volunteers' contributions, while streamlining volunteer structures and promoting high-impact initiatives. Beyond the chapter, Michael's impact extended to the local community through the Social Good Committee, fostering cohesion and creating opportunities for members to make a positive impact. His collaborative approach and commitment to PMI values, including making it easy, aiming higher, embracing curiosity, and fostering a sense of togetherness, have significantly enriched the chapter's environment. Michael's leadership has ensured the chapter's readiness for future growth and continued impact as it approaches its 50th year.
PMI West Bengal Chapter
Region 11 – South Asia
Jaydeep Chakraborty
Jaydeep Chakraborty has significantly advanced the strategic initiatives of the PMI West Bengal Chapter by developing training programs for the social sector and aligning the chapter's activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His efforts have redefined the chapter’s vision and increased regional visibility. Jaydeep organized impactful programs, including sessions in the Sunderban region, developing project management materials in local languages, and partnering with local NGOs for customized training. He also led project management sessions for the Jal Jeevan Mission in Assam, contributing to project success and generating business opportunities. Beyond his role as Training Director, Jaydeep actively supports social causes, facilitates training across various sectors, and mentors volunteers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive PMI culture. Recognized for his democratic leadership style emphasizing collaboration and empowerment, Jaydeep has driven chapter growth. He has mentored members through PMI certifications and expanded the chapter's footprint, working towards establishing branch chapters in Odisha and Assam. Jaydeep exemplifies a model chapter leader, volunteering his expertise to amplify PMI's impact and guide the West Bengal Chapter toward its vision.
PMI Central Ohio Chapter
Region 4 –
East Central North America
Deborah Ducmanas
Deborah has profoundly impacted the PMI Central Ohio Chapter through her leadership, fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration. She prioritized developing younger leaders, spearheaded initiatives to recruit diverse industry professionals, and enhanced the chapter's visibility within the global PMI community. Deborah also cultivated partnerships with neighboring chapters, piloted new certifications, and led impactful community projects, such as collaborating with Maryhaven to implement mental health awareness campaigns and expand outreach programs. Her dedication to PMI's values, including aiming higher, being welcoming, embracing curiosity, and fostering collaboration, has enriched the chapter and empowered its members. Deborah's leadership style is marked by empowerment, open communication, recognition, skill development, and inclusivity. Her commitment to professional development and community service, along with her genuine care and empathy for others, has driven the chapter's success and positioned it for continued growth.
PMI Mongolia Chapter
Region 9 –
Northeast Asia Pacific
Oyunbileg Erendoo
Oyunbileg Erendoo has made significant contributions to the PMI Mongolia Chapter since joining in November 2020 amidst challenging times. Under her leadership as Membership Director, the chapter has achieved a record membership of over 200 members, revitalized its volunteer community, and fostered a pipeline of future leaders. Oyunbileg's impact is particularly notable in three key areas: she revitalized member engagement through initiatives like the PMP Exam Prep Buddy Program and quarterly orientation meetings, she nurtured emerging leaders within the chapter, and she cultivated a culture of collaboration and accountability among board members. Beyond the chapter, Oyunbileg has initiated impactful community projects, including a Project Management Student Contest and partnerships to promote project management skills in youth and rural communities across Mongolia. Her leadership style, rooted in PMI values of respect, inclusivity, and empowerment, has not only strengthened the chapter internally but also enhanced its outreach and impact within the broader community.
PMI Chattanooga Chapter
Region 14 –
Southeast North America-Caribbean
David Grimsley
David Grimsley's tenure as Director of Communications at the PMI Chattanooga Chapter has been nothing short of ground-breaking. Joining amidst the challenges of COVID-19, David revitalized the chapter with remarkable results. He spearheaded partnerships that expanded online certification opportunities and revitalized in-person events, increasing their frequency and attendance significantly. David's IT expertise was instrumental in overhauling the chapter's website, automating event promotions, and streamlining sponsorship processes. His empathetic leadership style shone through in creating inclusive networking opportunities, such as BBQ dinners and public speaking engagements, which not only boosted membership but also enhanced community engagement. David's visionary approach, boundless creativity, and strong work ethic have not only revitalized the PMI Chattanooga Chapter but also set a new standard for leadership and community impact within PMI.
PMI Cameroon Chapter
Region 16 –
Sub-Saharan Africa
Yvonne Cristelle Kagou
Yvonne Cristelle Kagou's leadership at the PMI Cameroon Chapter has been transformative. Her strategic approach and unwavering dedication have fostered a thriving environment for professional development and collaboration within the project management community. Recognizing the critical role of a strong team, Yvonne actively recruited diverse volunteers, fostering a sense of shared purpose and ownership. She cultivated a supportive culture where volunteers felt valued and empowered through ongoing training and open communication, which contributed to the chapter's ability to deliver high-quality events and programs. Yvonne's proactive efforts in securing sponsorships further enhanced the chapter's financial sustainability, allowing for expanded offerings and greater community impact. Her leadership style, characterized by strategic vision, commitment to member development, and inclusive community building, has significantly elevated the PMI Cameroon Chapter.
PMI Sydney
Region 10 –
Australia/New Zealand Asia Pacific
My Tran Le
My Tran played a pivotal role in shaping the PMI Sydney, Australia Chapter, driving strategic changes and fostering its growth in multiple capacities. Upon joining the board in 2023, she assessed and revamped the chapter's volunteering strategy, significantly increasing engagement and laying a sustainable foundation for future initiatives. Recognizing the need for a Social Good mission, My Tran revitalized the Project Management Day of Service, enhancing outreach to local charities. Her leadership expanded the Volunteers Community from 6 to 76 members, implementing innovative programs and recognition awards. She seamlessly collaborated with board members, volunteers, and PMI staff, enhancing team cohesion and operational efficiency. Beyond her role, My Tran championed gender diversity and equity, advocating through panels and initiatives like university capstone projects and the Australian Project Management Research Summit. Her leadership style, characterized by empathy and collaborative spirit, embodies PMI values.
PMI San Francisco
Bay Area Chapter
Region 7 –
Southwest North America
Christophe Petapermal
Christophe Petapermal stands out as a model next-generation board member, exemplifying servant leadership and a strong commitment to the PMI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter's mission. As the first Next Generation Leader (NGL) Board member for PMI SFBAC, Christophe, a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) candidate in Data Analytics and Strategy with a civil engineering background, MBA and MEI, has significantly impacted the organization. He has successfully facilitated partnerships with universities, expanding the chapter's reach and enriching the community with new perspectives. His leadership has been marked by a dedication to diversity and inclusion, ensuring the voices of emerging professionals are heard. Christophe also played a crucial role in onboarding new board members and maintaining high governance standards. He has been instrumental in shaping the chapter’s strategic direction, particularly by amplifying the voice of Next Generation leaders. Christophe's proactive engagement with local universities raised awareness about PMI and inspired students to pursue project management careers. His technical skills have enhanced the chapter's digital presence, while his leadership style has promoted collaboration, transparency, and innovation.
PMI Sweden Chapter
Region 8–
Northwest Europe
Katarina Stromberg
Katarina Strömberg has made exceptional contributions to the PMI Sweden Chapter, significantly benefiting its growth and success. Throughout her tenure, she has held various leadership roles, including Vice President and President, demonstrating unwavering commitment, and driving impactful initiatives. As Vice President, Branch Chair South, she organized flagship events like the Passion for Projects Congress, enhancing the chapter's reputation. Katarina also initiated the Congress PMO and exceeded marketing goals as Vice President, Marketing & Communication. As President, she led the Talk Around the Clock digital conference and championed the AI in Project Management project, producing influential reports on AI's impact in the field. Katarina's leadership extends beyond the chapter, fostering connections within the local community and driving collaboration among project professionals. Her commitment to PMI's core values of excellence, inclusivity, curiosity, and collaboration has created a vibrant volunteer culture. Katarina's visionary leadership and strategic initiatives have significantly elevated the PMI Sweden Chapter.
2023 Chapter Leadership Impact Award Recipients
Region 2 - North Central North America
Michael O'Connor | President, PMI Minnesota Chapter
Michael O’Connor has been a member of PMI for over 20 years and has been serving as a board member of the chapter since 2019. Currently, he holds the position of President at the PMI Minnesota Chapter, where he has demonstrated his leadership skills for more than five years. His peers have praised him as a committed, communicative, approachable, and reliable leader who has a positive attitude even in challenging times. Oftentimes Michael has used his wide professional network to provide speakers and other guests for the PMI Minnesota chapter, and he has facilitated the connections with chapters from New Jersey, Chicago, Hawaii, and Missouri, among others. He has been instrumental in organizing the 2023 Regions 2 and 3 meeting for the 39 PMI chapters involved and helped reimagined the 2023 Professional Development Day. He has also helped provide input to create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the PMI Minnesota board and is currently pushing for DEI training for chapter members.
Region 4 - East Central North America
JoAnn Boehm | Trustee, PMI Buffalo, NY Chapter
JoAnn is an outstanding volunteer who not only has made significant contributions to PMI Buffalo Chapter, but is also very involved in Buffalo SPCA, and Buffalo’s PMBasics outreach. She has held numerous positions within the chapter and beyond, including Region Mentor and PMI Buffalo ChapterTrustee, and has played a vital role in mentoring and guiding new board members. Her involvement with PMBasics has helped spread awareness of project management to over 180 people from nearly 70 local non-profits, demonstrating her dedication to continuing the awareness and importance of project management as a career.
JoAnn's leadership skills were also instrumental in guiding the chapter through a crisis in 2022, helping the board to articulate tough issues and take the necessary actions to move in the right direction. Her engagement with the board and development of personal relationships with almost all the volunteers has been invaluable to the success of the Buffalo Chapter over the last several years.
Region 6 - South Central North America
Cindy Vandersleen | Past Chapter President, PMI Fort Worth Chapter
Cindy Vandersleen has been an active member of the Fort Worth Chapter of PMI since 2005, serving as a Chapter Leader since 2009. She has held various roles, including Assistant VP of Marketing, Assistant VP of Communication, VP of External Relations, Chapter President, and Chapter Past President. Cindy has been influential in growing the Fort Worth Chapter's membership as well as outreach programs to non-profit organizations, community organizations, and academic entities. In addition to her dedication to the chapter, she has volunteered for the North Texas Future City Competition for at least 10 years as a judge, helping to develop project plan training, templates, and recognition for teams. For several years she participated in chapter academic outreach activities presenting to students from the TCU College of Business and teaching project management concepts to non-profit staff members such as Girl's Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas and The Center for Transforming Life (formerly YWCA). Cindy also volunteered as a Volunteer Project Coach for Girl's Inc. out of her personal commitment to helping community's youth mature and grow. One particularly noteworthy activity Cindy was especially influential in is the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) of North Texas. Cindy participated in this program by teaching project management to inmates, volunteering monthly as an executive volunteer for business plan competition events, and, in 2020, joining the PEP North Texas Advisory Council. The Fort Worth Chapter of PMI earned the PMIEF Community Advancement Award in 2018 due to Cindy's activities. Her strong communication skills allowed her to be influential in her actions and direction to others while encouraging others to grow in their communication and leadership skills while setting an example of continuous service to chapter leaders, chapter members, and our local community. She proactively identifies, recruits, and mentors chapter members to ensure the legacy of volunteerism.
Region 7 - Southwest North America
Shane Cretacci | Past President, PMI Phoenix Chapter
PMI Phoenix Chapter was striving under Shane's leadership as Board Chair. At the beginning of his Board Chair term, Shane was covering multiple roles himself due to vacant board member seats, however, he soon effectively identified potential board members who could be appointed and mentored during the year. This led to them running and being elected in the formal elections process, collectively leading to a successful transition into their roles. He helped build a collaborative Board and volunteer group without silos while engaging in the community and with PMI Global. Under Shane's leadership, the chapter successfully launched a robust social good program and partnered to participate in the PMI Xchange events, as well as implemented a virtual platform that enabled the chapter to provide member value during Covid. Shane is committed and dedicated, available to represent PMI and the chapter either informally, in his Board role, or as a speaker.
Region 8 - Europe
Andreas Madjari | PMI Austria Chapter
For the PMI Austria Chapter, Andreas Madjari is an exemplary volunteer and board member who consistently strives to improve the chapter's ways of working, challenging the status quo while always maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. He is a motivated and supportive leader, who consistently goes above and beyond his chapter leadership role, guides and motivates chapter volunteers and board members, and influences members and potential members. On numerous occasions Andreas has taken on additional roles beyond his position as Governance VP, concentrating on being people-focused rather than just completing administrative tasks. His expertise in IT project management has been highly beneficial to the chapter's technology advancement, and he has provided guidance in the right direction, thanks to his analytical and structured approach. He has been instrumental in starting the automation of data-driven communications using the Citizen Development method, as well as initiating a new format for monthly online gatherings of project managers during the pandemic called "Online Stammtisch." He has facilitated this format 20 times and motivated new members and volunteers, keeping members engaged and connected to the chapter. Andreas is committed to sharing best practices and experiences within the-community, presenting to different Chapters, at the LIM in Prague and several times during the monthly chapter leaders call.
Region 9 - Northeast Asia
Takeshi Hayama | President, PMI Japan Chapter
Dr. Hayama has made significant contributions to PMI Japan Chapter's growth and success. He has implemented various strategies to improve the quality and quantity of services aligned with stakeholders' needs, resulting in membership growth and increased collaboration with PMI HQ and PMI Asia-Pacific team. He has organized several committees or working groups for each strategy and provided effective communication of policies and strategies to directors and volunteer leaders within the chapter.
PMI Japan Chapter has been enhancing its services over the past few years, even during the Corona disaster. These include the PMI Japan Project Management Awards, several communities open to non-members, the Project Management Research Reports, Seminars and workshops for young generations, and several joint events with other organizations, including industry associations, professional associations, and academic societies. PMI Japan Chapter was able to implement these various new services in parallel largely due to the reform of the Chapter's administrative structure and the close collaborative relationship with PMI-AP, which was made possible by Dr. Hayama. The directors belonging to each committee exercised leadership and led the secretariat and member volunteers to take action autonomously. His vast network of contacts has been helpful in realizing the Coalition of Associations for PMI 4.0 in the chapter. Dr. Hayama's leadership skills are based on his experience and knowledge in his business, and he uses servant-style leadership, collaborating with others and providing practical support.
Region 10 - Australia/ New Zealand
Himadri Sekhar Chowdhury | Marketing Director, PMI Sydney, Australia Chapter
Himadri Sekhar Chowdhury assumed the role of Director of Marketing and Communication when the Chapter required assistance, as it emerged from a challenging period. He undertook the responsibility by actively engaging members and reinstating the Chapter's most valuable communication tool, its monthly newsletter, which had been discontinued during the Chapter's challenging period. Himadri continuously strives to improve himself and fearlessly experiments with new ideas, actively seeks input from PMI Asia Pacific and other Chapters' marketing teams and is receptive to novel concepts. Through his marketing and communication efforts, Himadri has effectively bridged the gap between members and the community, strengthening the Chapter's bond with the Sydney community.
Region 11 - South Asia
Tamal Banerjee | Public Relations Director, PMI West Bengal Chapter
Tamal Banerjee has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives for the PMI West Bengal Chapter, with a focus on outreach programs for the social sector and aligning the chapter's initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He has conceptualized and curated various programs, including project management learning sessions for youth in remote areas, a mangrove plantation drive, setting up a rural library, and customized project management training for the Jal Jeevan Mission program in Assam. Tamal has also increased the visibility of the PMI and the Chapter by connecting with start-up organizations, facilitating project management awareness sessions for workers, and presenting project management awareness sessions at academic institutions. He has a democratic leadership style and believes in building trusting relationships and empowering team members to help voluntary organizations grow and develop professional skills.
Region 12 - Middle East/North Africa
Maher Aljohani | Senior Vice President for Central Region, PMI Kingdom Saudi Arabia Chapter
Maher Aljohani is recognized for his exceptional leadership style and commitment to building positive relationships with his team members, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and fostering a culture of growth and development. He has helped the PMI Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Chapter achieve great success through effective communication, strategic planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement. He has also collaborated with significant corporations and governmental organizations to promote business collaboration, L&D empowerment, and public knowledge of project management. His contributions have led to increased productivity, creativity, and innovation, and strengthened relationships with partners and sponsors of the chapter from the government and corporations. Under his leadership and in close collaboration with other members of the chapter board, several chapter initiatives were organized such as Global Project Management Forum, PMO Summit, Dialogue with Leaders Podcast, and Project Excellence Awards, all these initiatives aim to share best practices and recognize and celebrate excellence in project management. This achievement would not be possible without their dedication, hard work, and support. Together we can! Together we excel!” This message of gratitude highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success. The success of the chapter in the centra region under his leadership is evident by its increased popularity in the KSA region.
Region 13 – Latin America
José Sergio Torres | PMI Nuevo Cuyo, Argentina Chapter
Jose Sergio Torres is a young leader in the project management community and has been a volunteer at the PMI Nuevo Cuyo Argentina Chapter since 2013. He has contributed significantly to the chapter's growth and sustainability, identifying and mentoring new leaders, and leading programs of inclusion and diversity. Jose has held various positions within the chapter, including VP Branch La Rioja (2018) and VP Governance. He also served as Chapter President, during which time the chapter won several awards for outstanding performance and involving a great number of enablements and changemakers in the whole region.
In addition to his work within the chapter, Jose has been a speaker and staff member at various international and regional congresses and conferences. He founded the Community of Latin American Women Leaders PMI LATAM in 2018 and co-founded the Women's Leadership Mentoring Program PMI Buenos Aires in 2019. Jose's initiatives and projects, such as "Community Women Leaders LATAM," "Young Project Leaders Club," and "MiiCharter, app for project management," have served as great examples for other chapters in the LATAM region. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2019 Trainer of the Year Award from Academia Argentina Emprende, and he was a finalist for several PMI LATAM Excellence Awards. Jose's book, "Latin American Women Leaders," is set to launch in 2023.
Region 15 - Southeast Asia-Pakistan
Dr. Khalid Ahmad Khan | President, PMI Lahore, Pakistan Chapter
Dr. Khalid Ahmad Khan is a founding member of the PMI Lahore, Pakistan chapter, whose personal contribution has been instrumental in its growth and success. He has served as chapter president multiple times and played a key role in establishing it as the largest chapter in Pakistan which has implemented several successful initiatives that have made a positive impact on the community. Dr. Khan's hands-on leadership style, goal-oriented approach, and proactive efforts to seek out partnerships have been key factors in the chapter's success. He has created a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within the chapter, empowering others to take ownership of their roles and pursue new programs with the support of the chapter board.
Dr. Khan's commitment to promoting project management education and awareness is exceptional. He has conducted lectures at five universities, introducing PMI and its programs to students and encouraging them to become student members and pursue PMI certifications. His efforts have helped to increase the visibility of PMI and its programs within the community and have led to the recruitment of the largest student group to join PMI and the Lahore Chapter as members. His passion for project management is inspiring, and as an educator he has been helping students and practitioners alike to develop their project management skills and competencies.
Region 16 - Sub-Saharan Africa
Ayanda More | Former Vice President, Marketing, PMI South Africa Chapter
Ayanda More has been a passionate youthquake advocate for changing lives through project management over the past decade. She has been volunteering with PMI South Africa Chapter since 2018, working closely with the President of the chapter in her role. Ayanda demonstrated her tenacity by learning digital marketing skills that were needed by the chapter. With years of experience, she became an expert in the field and was appointed as Vice President of Marketing and team member for the chapter’s premier annual event, the Project Management Summit from 2019 to 2023. Ayanda's job entails supporting the President of PMI South Africa and the chapter leaders by ensuring marketing acts as a guide and leading other portfolios in developing, producing, and fulfilling products or services. Ayanda's achievements include being a speaker at the PMI Africa Conference 2022, attending many conferences and seminars related to her role, and being awarded Advocate and Catalyst for Change 2022, Millennial Leader Award 2022, South Africa's Top 20 Small Business & Entrepreneur, and PMI’s Future 50 honoree in 2021. Ayanda's dedication, accountability, and loyalty to the team have been recognized, and she has been a significant driving force behind the chapter's success in the past five years.