Presidents Message

Frank Pugh, PMI Tallahassee Chapter President

PMI Tallahassee Chapter Members and Friends:  ​

It is amazing how fast this year is going by. Since the beginning of the year, we have conducted one long-formprofessional development event focused on leadership, and a lunch and learn about executive leadership. There were two book club meetings, one about leading in adversity and the other about how toteach artificial intelligence (AI).  At our three chapter meetings, we hosted an entrepreneur, a real estate attorney and a college professor, all of whom surfaced ideas useful to the profession of project management.  All our events touched the PMI Talent Triangle, addressed contemporary issues and where applicable featured speakers with deep domain experience.  These events were well attended and receivedhigh ratings in our follow up surveys.  We have also maintained a steady hand on governance, by successfully completing our chapter renewal application and logging seven board meetings.  The board work product spanned mandatory organizational activities, event planning and execution, and guidance for the operational activities of our multiple committees (e.g., military outreach, technology, programs and more!).​

Two major themes have emerged this year, one being the emerging utility of artificial intelligence to the enterprise of project management, and the other being the applicability of project management to a wide variety of businesses. We will further explore these themes. Indeed, the remainder of the year promises to be exciting and educational. It is replete with opportunities for volunteering and recognition of the same. Inside our expanded volunteerism section of our latest newsletter, we highlight two present opportunities to apply project management skills to gain experience and earn PDUs. One involves serving the Guardian Ad Litem Second Circuit, and the other involves serving on the board of this chapter. ​

We also want to welcome Daniella Cross-Wilkins to the chapter board. She assumed the role of VP of Professional Development in April and is already making a big difference. She is committed to understanding the training needs of our members and tailoring our professional development events and programs to address those needs. The survey Daniella sent out confirmed that you are very interested in training for certifications as well as learning about key project performance domains such as managing change. She has taken thisinformation and organized meetings with speakers and training providers to match their offerings withyour needs. This advanced approach is only one example of the beneficial change Daniella is bringing to this chapter.​

We are very happy that certifications continue to be attractive. PMI has called this season "Certification Summer" and we share their enthusiasm while congratulating our newest certification holders. Speaking ofmembership, the latest newsletter also contains an article about how PMI will soon be announcing a newmembership model for chapters.  ​

Finally, I want to conclude by noting that it has been nearly a year since we lost Shajil Kalathil, who was at that time the PMI Tallahassee Chapter President. It was a very sad time for all. We resolved to keep Shajil in our hearts by creating a lasting honor in his name. Later in this latest newsletter, we provide more information about the first Shajil Kalathil Commitment to Service award  for this fall. We hope you will honor Shajil by performing professional development services for others, and in a smaller but still significant way, nominate a volunteer member for the award.