Dear Members and Friends of PMI NYC,
The Project Management Institute, NYC Chapter has been in existence for 35 years, and 2021 marks a significant anniversary and milestone in the continuing journey of the chapter. 2020 and 2021 have also been two of the most challenging years for the chapter as we have been managing through a pandemic that has affected every program and activity we offer and has caused hardship at many levels for our volunteers and members. I am hopeful that in the near future, the chapter will be offering programs that provide actual in-person networking and events that our membership has been accustomed to for many years. As we plan for 2022, there is no doubt that the future will not return us to what was considered “normal” and the “new normal” has not yet been defined. We are, just like all other organizations, evolving and changing.
To meet the new challenges of the future, we must look for opportunities, become more innovative, and find ways to connect more effectively with our members. It is important to emphasize that PMI NYC is your chapter and we need your voice to help us plan programs that will meet your expectations of a professional organization.
As we close out October 2021 and look forward to the results of the chapter election, we are now focusing on shaping the path forward. Our annual chapter business meeting is scheduled for December 9. We are considering a suggestion to divide the meeting into two parts. A virtual meeting scheduled for November 30 that will provide a chapter business summary and review of the accomplishments of the past year, and an in-person event on December 9 that will focus on the celebration of our 35th anniversary, welcome the newly elected board members, and provide some entertainment and networking. Please mark and hold these dates. More information will be provided as plans are finalized.
Another item of importance for the chapter is succession planning. I prefer to use the term “Leadership Continuity.” The chapter will be offering its own version of a Leadership Masters Class, the objective being to prepare our volunteers and members for future board of director positions. This program is intended to accomplish two goals: Increase interest, within the chapter volunteer team, to participate as a candidate in chapter elections, and to enhance the career opportunities for the program participants through formal leadership education and training. This program is targeted to begin in the first quarter of 2022. The chapter will also be offering an opportunity for undergrads and graduate students to serve as interns for the chapter, reporting to the board of directors. The interns will provide direct support to the various VP positions and, in return, receive student membership in the chapter and participate in a program to achieve CAPM certification. These programs will require the completion of an application and a review of candidate qualifications. The total number of candidates for each program will be limited. The details for each program are being developed.
One more item that is extremely important is the chapter Professional Development Day (PDD). It is scheduled for December 3 as a virtual event. The PDD team has been working to make this an amazing event and we need our membership to participate. Please register for the event and support the efforts of the chapter to provide you with world-class programs.
Remember, it’s your chapter. We need your ideas, and your participation if we are to move forward and continue to succeed.
If you have any questions or have suggestions for chapter value enhancement, please contact me at Frank.Saladis@pminyc.org
Respectfully,
Frank P. Saladis PMP, PMI Fellow
President – PMI NYC Chapter
