PMIWDC

Candidates for the 2012-2013 Board

The PMIWDC Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following slate of candidates for the upcoming Board elections, which will be held August 17 - September 9, 2011. Please see the candidates’ position statements below.

Elections are open! All active PMIWDC members are encouraged to cast their vote at www.pmiwdc.org/2011/elections-ballot

The Nominating Committee presents the following slate of candidates in accordance with PMIWDC By-Laws:

Petition Process – deadline is August 16, 2011

In accordance with the PMIWDC Bylaws, additional candidates may be added to the slate by means of a petition signed by at least 5% of the Chapter members, which is 480 as of the end of May 2011. See additional details.

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE (3 open positions)

Directors-at-Large shall exercise independent accountability and responsibility on matters of governance and oversight in the best interest of the membership ensuring that activities and decisions are in alignment with the Chapter Charter, Bylaws, vision, and mission statements. It is recommended that Directors-at-Large have previous experience serving at least one year as a volunteer in a leadership role for a PMI component. The position is for a three-year term, with the option of running for one additional term.

Esen Akter

Candidate Statement: Esen Akter, PMP
Current/previous experience: VP Professional Development, 2011. Chair TI Committee – 2010.

Esen Akter Tekinel is a certified Project Management Professional with 20 years of IT experience.  The varying positions in banking, higher-education, power and automation, and health education industries provided her with the expertise in managing small, medium, and large IT projects, training business partners and clients both in US and internationally.

In her role as VP Professional Development in 2011, Ms. Tekinel was responsible for activities that support the continuing program and project management training and education of PMI Washington, DC Chapter members while serving on the Chapter’s Operational Staff.

In addition, Ms. Tekinel provided support to Chapter to Chapter Committee and revived communication between PMI-WDC and PMI Turkey in 2010 and she is currently working on the partnership between the two chapters.

Ms. Tekinel has the skill set to come up with effective solutions and remove issues fast and efficiently while displaying leadership skills under pressure. These skills along with her capacity to maintain a good relation with the clients and staff members make Ms. Tekinel uniquely qualify for any undertaking. Ms. Tekinel is very excited to incorporate her international, national, non-government and private sector background and provide leadership to connect PMIWDC’s ideas to other groups.

Shirley Buchanan

Candidate Statement: Shirley F Buchanan, PMP
Current/previous experience: Director-at-Large (March 2011 – present); Director-at-Large (January 2009 – July 2009); VP Membership (January 2007 – December 2008); AVP Membership (January 2006 - December 2006)

Shirley F Buchanan has devoted four years as a PMIWDC volunteer and Board member. Under her leadership, PMIWDC launched several successful initiatives that improved networking among seasoned and new members, enhanced member services, and generated revenue. As Vice President of Membership, Shirley and her team launched the inaugural Career Day and Social Networking events. She and her team implemented strategies to engage Chapter members who live or work in the Washington, DC area.

As a strategic leader, Shirley recruited and retained volunteers, delivered leadership training, and authored policies and procedures, which provided organizational guidance and sustained PMIWDC strategic objectives.

Shirley has over 25 years of experience developing and implementing strategic business solutions for clients in government and commercial industries. As a change agent, she led teams to reengineer business practices, enhance quality assurance practices, and improve human development programs. With several years of experience leading, training, and coaching other project managers, Shirley uses innovative techniques to guide organizations.

Shirley has a Bachelors degree in Chemistry from Kean University and a Masters of Science in Computer Science from New Jersey Institute of Technology. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and earned a certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University.  Shirley is a member of the Project Management Institute, American Society of Quality, and American Society for Training, and Development.

Shirley Buchanan has been a member of PMI since 1997 and a PMP since 2002. She is the recipient of the 2008 PMI Volunteer Leader of the Year award.

Personal Background:
Ms. Buchanan has worked with several clients where she demonstrated a commitment to quality and excellence. Her collaborative style is guided by industry models and standards, such as, PMI PMBOK, CMMI models, ITIL, and ISO standards. At the end of each engagement, clients were better prepared to meet future challenges.


Debra Charles

Candidate Statement: Debra B. Charles
Current/previous experience: Board of Directors / VP of Professional Development – March 2007 – December 2008; Board of Directors / AVP of Professional Development – January 2007 – March 2007; Chair – PMP Prep Courses – 2008; Chair – Dave Gerber Seminar - 2008; Chair – Instructor Intake Session – 2006

I am interested in serving the PMI Washington DC (PMIWDC) Chapter as a Director-at-Large.  I have been a member of the Chapter since 2003 and served on the Board as Vice President of Professional Development for 2007 – 2008.  I also served as AVP of Professional Development and various Committee Chairs forthe Chapter.  I have a Masters of Science in Technology Management from George Mason University, a Chief Information Officer (CIO) University Certificate in Federal Executive Competencies by the Federal Chief Information Officers Council, and a PMP (#67563).  

I am an Information Systems senior-level manager with over thirty years of successful, progressive Information Technology and Program Managementexperience.  My work background covers a range of industries including government, health care, petroleum/chemical, and financial services.  I am currently working in Strategy and Operations as a Federal Acquisition consultant.  My extensive professional experience has enabled me to be a valuable contributor to the Chapter.  Previously I provided program management leadership and support for all Professional Development activities, including budget development and execution; Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate Project Management (CAPM) exam prep courses; P.M. seminars and events; Knowledge Exchange Forum (KXF); Mentoring Program; Academic, Non-Academic, and UMT Scholarship Programs; High School and College Outreach Programs; and registration of events with PMI Global Operations Center.  During my tenure, Professional Development revenue increased by over 200%.

I believe that my education and past PMIWDC leadership experience has prepared me for a new role on the Board as Director-at-Large.

Diana Hillman Snably

Candidate Statement: Diana Hillman Snably
Current/previous experience: AVP New Member Committee (2011 – Present); Membership Committee Volunteer (2008 – Present); Speaker Coordinator Fair Lakes Luncheon Committee (2008 – Present)

I am interested in supporting PMIWDC as a Director-at-Large.  I have been actively involved in PMIWDC since becoming a member in 2008. I am the Speaker Coordinator for the Fair Lakes Luncheon Committee for nearly 3 years now.  I have also served on the Membership Committee at the same time (2008 – present) in various roles including Dinner Meeting Co-Chair and most recently as AVP of New Member activities.  In 2010, I attended and volunteered at the PMI LIM and Global Congress.

I have been employed at Xerox for more than 21 years involved in Program and Project Management.  The last 12 years as a regional Engineering Manager (REM) supporting unique custom solutions. My role as REM includes management of various facets of the custom projects from uncovering customer needs, gathering/documenting customer requirements, translating these requirements into engineering specs, implementation planning, installation and training.  

I have a BS in Computer Information Systems (2002) and a MS in Information Management (2005).  I have PMP (2009) and EDP Certification (1982). EDP Certification is Electronic Document Professional Certification, an industry designation awarded to qualified individuals who have demonstrated broad knowledge of and experience in digital communication - whether in print, over networks, or online from document creation to distribution. (www.xplor.org)

In addition to volunteering my time with PMIWDC, I have many years in other association leadership.  I have been involved with Xplor International for 30 years in many regional and global volunteer positions. I am currently a Director on the Xplor International Board, in the past holding Chair of the EDP Commission and at the regional level served as President, Secretary and Treasurer along with committee leads for membership, conference and vendor relations.

I look forward to supporting the leadership and members of PMIWDC.

Personal Background:
I am excited to be part of PMIWDC with the many networking and volunteer opportunities provided. In my current role on the Membership Committee, I encourage team work, appreciating the time others give-up to support PMIWDC. I hope my enthusiasm is contagious!

Elizabeth A. McQueen

Candidate Statement: Elizabeth A. McQueen, PMP
Current/previous experience: VP of Records Management, 2010-2011; AVP of Records Management, 2009; Process Definition Committee Chair under Communications operational area, 2008

Professionally, my focus is on the long term health of organizations and on executing projects to achieve institutional maturity in compliance with major quality standards (e.g.,ISO, CMMI).

As AVP and then VP of Records Management, I have focused on initiatives that serve PMIWDC’s long range strategic objectives.  I have worked to implement the disciplined management of our records, including: adhering to a consistent file naming convention, consistent documentation of processes, and the development of the chapter’s Process Asset Library (PAL).  In 2008, I delivered a Leadership Session entitled “Governance Transition: Developing Well-Defined Processes for Continuity.”  The effort I have led to define and document the chapter’s repeatable processes has yielded success in the transition of new board members, and it has paved the way for volunteers to more easily gain experience in multiple operational areas.  Additionally, my team began a project this year to institute the collection and monthly reporting of metrics to further our goals and continuously improve our services to our members.  If elected, I will continue to bring the same strategic focus in serving on the Governance Board that I brought to the Operations Board. 

DALs are ambassadors of the chapter who promote project management professionalism.  I have been playing this role as an instructor for the Project Management Certificate program at Northern VA Community College (NOVA) and for PMIWDC / NOVA co-branded Advanced PM Seminars, as well as on my contract teaching DHS Level 1 Program Manager certification courses, and via speaking at chapter luncheons.

Additional Comments:
It has been my honor and my privilege to work with the board of this chapter for the last 3 years.  The members of the board are exceptionally savvy, engaged, and disciplined in their sincere and ongoing efforts to improve our service to our members, and I am proud to be affiliated with such an esteemed group of individuals.  (I always leave PMIWDC board meetings wishing that more meetings I attend for which people are being PAID to be there were as well run and productive!)

Mike Nelson

Candidate Statement: Mike Nelson
Current/previous experience: Luncheon Venue Chairman for Fairview Park Luncheon January 2005 - December 2010; AVP Local Communities 2009 - Present

I started volunteering at our PMIWD Chapter in 2005 and worked my way from an “entry level” volunteer position to my current volunteer position of Assistant Vice President of Local Communities.  My six consecutive years of volunteering is personally very rewarding and a valuable experience as I’ve been able to convey my ideas, lessons learned, and energy to chapter activities.  Back in 2005, I started a brand new lunchtime venue (www.pmiwdc.org/fairview) through building a strong team of volunteers, robust outreach to identify speakers, and soliciting feedback from Fairview Park Luncheon attendees.  I was able to accomplish tremendous growth and awareness of our venue.  Several engagements drew over 100 attendees and maxed out the seating in our conference room.

I spoke with many attendees over the years and actively solicited feedback on how we were doing.  With this information, I engaged continuous improvement approaches to the Fairview Park luncheons.  One consistent theme was the difficulty for individuals to attend a lunchtime presentation due to work, traffic, or other factors.  In response, I launched a portal on my company’s webpage (www.noblis.org/pmifairviewpark) to provide video recording of the past presentations, including a copy of corresponding slide deck and the PDU form for individuals to access at any time.  Webtracking statistics demonstrated wide appeal of this new service which clearly broadened the positively impact of my luncheon.

My goal as Director-at-Large would be to find similar opportunities to positively impact the service from PMIWDC.

Personal Background:
I have a passion for process and service delivery improvement.  I’m fortunate to have many occasions in my career to contribute in these types of engagements.  I have twenty years experience leading project teams, deploying PMOs and integrating business process with business objectives.

My family is the most important part of my life.  I have a wonderful wife, Ting, and we have two wonderful daughters Kaitlyn and Savannah.  I coach my daughters year-round in Spring/Fall softball with Savannah and Winter/Summer basketball with Kaitlyn.  I’m very proud of Kaitlyn who made the 2010 Seneca Ridge Middle School 6th grade travel team.

Additional Comments:
I strongly and personally believe in the value of our chapter.  I have engaged in many conversations with people at my Fairview Park Luncheon venue, in my capacity of AVP of Local Communities, and meeting folks in the chapter’s monthly membership meetings.  What I’ve learned is how critical and important the chapter is for people to learn, network, and give back to their profession.  It’s been a wonderful experience working with the high performing, hard working volunteer community of PMIWDC.  It’s equally satisfying seeing an individual obtain much needed information or support when they need it most.  We have expanded a lot of services in PMIWDC in the recent years and many people utilize and find value in our offerings.

Additionally, the governance of our chapter has preserved an important element of ownership and control of the chapter direction with the membership.  I believe this is a key reason why our chapter has thrived.  There are very low barriers of entry to individuals who have a desire to contribute or learn about our chapter.  This transparency and commitment to our ideals allows the organization to focus on the meaningful service aspects of our chapter.  Regardless who the chapter membership elects for these leadership positions, I firmly believe it is this process of governance and sharing of leadership that keeps this chapter always moving forward.  If I’m selected as Director-at-Large for the chapter, I will continue the spirit and letter of these noble objectives.

Danni Richards

Candidate Statement: Dannette (Danni) Richards, PMP
Current/previous experience: Chairperson PMIWDC 2011 Career Day - May 2011 - Present; Event Project Manager supporting Member Retention and Relations in the PM After Hours networking events - October 2009 - Present.

Mrs. Dannette (Danni) Richards, PMP, is Vice President (VP) and a Sr. Consultant with Information Technologies Consultants, Inc. (ITC). She has 20 years of successful professional and management experience. She joined ITC in 2003 after an exceptional 22-year career with SAIC beginning as a system analyst and ending as a VP and Division Manager with offices in three states overseeing 30+ employees and 20+ subcontractors with a proven track record as a hardworking team player and natural leader.

Danni specializes in establishing and running Program Management Offices (PMOs). She has extensive successful experience on large scale programs, joint program initiatives, developing and managing program portfolios, implementing business process management and leading process improvement initiatives following agile project management techniques, managing proposals, and improving client's project management practices to include project planning and measuring project management maturity and implementing methodologies.

Since 2009, Danni has volunteered with PMIWDC supporting Membership as Chair of the 2011 Career Day, and Member Retention and Relations as an Event Project Manager in the PM After Hours networking events.

Danni has developed and proven her strong communication, collaboration, and partnering skills, as well as organization and planning (both strategic and tactical) skills. She is a “people person” with strong leadership and mentoring skills and is politically savvy with customers and management personnel. She delivers results under pressure and has further proven that she can motivate teams and individuals to produce high quality products under less than desirable conditions. She is very professional, responsible, and ethical.

Naresh Saharya

Candidate Statement: Naresh Saharya
Current/previous experience: AVP Technology (Global Webinars and General Technology Area focus),  2010 - Present; AVP Volunteer Coordination (Application Development/Technology Area focus), 2008 - 2010; Volunteer - Volunteer Coordination (Technology area focus), 2007 - 2008

I am a growth-oriented and seasoned IT Professional with over 20 years of progressive global experience spanning America, Asia, and Middle-East in Project/Program Management, Business and Systems Analysis, Design/Integration, and Quality Management. I have been associated with US Federal as well as Civil businesses covering Health Care, Telecom/Networking, Manufacturing verticals, working for small businesses to fortune 500 firms. I have been actively associated with the PMIWDC board since July 2007.

This position seeks a leader who can facilitate collaboration and institutionalize standards effectively amongst various committees/groups. I foresee myself as a leader who can foster such collaboration and enables exchange of best practices internally to the board as well as externally to PMI communities/special interest groups. My in-depth understanding of ISO, CMMI and Project Management standards, and ability to guide these through structured processes and procedures makes me an ideal candidate for this position. I have proven record of successfully leading organizations to various standards certifications by conforming to these guidelines and policies. I can take decisions quickly and contribute passionately to any initiative taken for governance of the chapter.

I have been instrumental in successful implementation of programs including Volunteer Badge Management, Volunteer Impact System, and Global Webinars series. I have also been selected as a PMI LIMC 2012 Master Class participant, which supports my abilities to serve in this position.

It is for my desire to perform at even higher levels; I seek candidature as Director at Large and feel that I am a deserving candidate.

Personal Background:
Proud father of 2 sons-14 and 18. Guitarist, Open-mind thinker, Love Music, Food and Wine

VICE-PRESIDENTS (5 open positions)

Vice Presidents shall have had previous service to the Chapter as a Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Event Project Manager, or Committee Chair prior to installation and shall be elected by the general membership for a term of two years. Terms shall be staggered such that elections are held for half the Vice Presidents each year. An individual may not hold any specific Vice President position for more than two consecutive terms.

Election for VP Records management

The VP Records Management is responsible for keeping all the records of all business meetings of the Chapter and meetings of the Board. This includes tracking and organizing all records of formal communications with the Board.

Jason Legum

Candidate Statement: Jason Legum
Current/previous experience: AVP Records Management - February 2010 to present

During these past two years as the current AVP Records Management, I have helped the PMI-WDC Records Management operational area’s responsibilities grow beyond the original mission to manage the records of business meetings and formal communications. Our objectives have grown to include Board process documentation, board metrics, and SharePoint management. These broadened support areas has grown the complexity of the Records Management mission and changed the nature of our service.

My 30+ year career has paralleled that growth by providing business and IT leadership deploying cost-effective technology and process solutions and over 20 years getting to yes with C level leaders. Relevant experience includes establishing SharePoint sites for document and knowledge sharing, establishing the metadata management program at Capital One, and creating both business and technical processes to achieve critical goals for my employers. Along the way, I have been certified in ITIL, as an agile ScrumMaster, and as a Project Management Professional. My direct reports have included staff and other managers while my indirect reports have been both inside my organization as well as outside.

My board experience, training, and professional experience position provide the right combination of experience, local knowledge, and influencing skills to continue being a successful leader of this chapter.

Personal Background:
I have enjoyed my work, these experiences, and my work within the PMI WDC Records Management operational area. I hope to continue the build-out of the Records Management area during the next two years while supporting the board and general membership. I welcome you to check out my LinkedIn profile and to ask me questions about my career or any of my other passions: cycling, racquetball, wine, and music. I don’t know it all, but I look forward to exploring what we know together to slake our thirsts for improvement.

Additional Comments:
For those of you who have read this far, permit me to give you some extra time by not consuming the entire final 250 word section.

Instead, Descartes walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Are you having a beer?" Descartes says, "I think not," and ceases to exist.

Cogito ergo sum.

Election for VP Professional Development

The VP Professional Development role shall include responsibility for all activities that support the continuing program and project management training and education of chapter members. These activities include PMIWDC PMP Prep classes, Seminars, Knowledge Exchange Forum events, Mentoring and Outreach programs, as well as other educational programs.   

Esen Akter

Candidate Statement: Esen Akter, PMP
Current/previous experience: VP Professional Development, 2011. Chair TI Committee - 2010.

Esen Akter Tekinel is a certified Project Management Professional with 20 years of IT experience.  The varying positions in banking, higher-education, power and automation, and health education industries provided her with the expertise in managing small, medium, and large IT projects, training business partners and clients both in US and internationally.

In her role as VP Professional Development in 2011, Ms. Tekinel was responsible for activities that support the continuing program and project management training and education of PMI Washington, DC Chapter members while serving on the Chapter's Operational Staff.

In addition, Ms. Tekinel provided support to Chapter to Chapter Committee and revived communication between PMI-WDC and PMI Turkey in 2010 and she is currently working on the partnership between the two chapters.

Ms. Tekinel has the skill set to come up with effective solutions and remove issues fast and efficiently while displaying leadership skills under pressure. These skills along with her capacity to maintain a good relation with the clients and staff members make Ms. Tekinel uniquely qualify for any undertaking. Ms. Tekinel is very excited to incorporate her international, national, non-government and private sector background and provide leadership to connect PMIWDC's ideas to other groups.

Election for VP Technology

The VP Technology role has operational responsibilities aimed at implementing the Board's decisions and achievement of the Chapter's strategic goals. These include providing an overall technology infrastructure that supports/enables the Board and Chapter operations/evolution, serving as the steward of the Chapter's website, managing the Chapter's technology vendors, serving as a technology SME to the Chapter, and liaising with PMI's Enterprise Architecture initiative.

Kevin McDonald

Candidate Statement: Kevin T. McDonald
Current/previous experience: C2C Coordinator for PMI UK and PMI Italy; 2010 Speaker: Fair Lakes luncheon on PMO and Sustainability, 2010
Speaker: Department of Labor PMIWDC luncheon on Cloud Computing, 2010 Speaker: 2011 PMI World Congress on Cloud Computing and Sustainability

Kevin T. McDonald, PMP, CISSP, CISA and CBCP,  is an accomplished, results-driven technology leader with capabilities that cover the waterfront of strategic planning, IT governance, team facilitation, business optimization and cyber security.   

Based upon a lifetime of support for accomplishing business objectives through technology, McDonald has become adept at analyzing systems and operations, recognizing performance gaps, and implementing solutions/initiatives to address organizational needs and change management.  Blending depth of technical expertise, business analytics and a passion for the power of dialogue to drive teams to excellence, positions McDonald as a capable and diplomatic technology leader.

McDonald, who can converse on technology topics at any organizational level, is sought out for his communications skills, and open leadership style.   His 2010 work, Above the Clouds: Managing Risk in the World of Cloud Computing guides organizations seeking to transition of legacy systems to Cloud Computing and was selected by the National League of Cities for their annual conference.   McDonald was recently awarded the outstanding graduate during the 2011 Tropaia ceremony of the prestigious Georgetown University Masters of Professional Studies Technology Management program.  

In his current role as Senior Infrastructure and Cloud Strategist for ICF International, Inc. a global consultancy based in Northern Virginia, member of the Northern Virginia Technology Council Infrastructure Task Force, McDonald supports such organizations as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security and various private sector clients.   He and his wife Melanie, make their home in Falls Church Virginia.

Personal Background:
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Strategic Leadership  • Physical and Logical Security • Facility Management • Program, Policy & Project Management • Continuity Planning, Resilience and Incident Response • Software Development  • Systems Installation • Communications • Strategic and Vendor Partnerships • Consultative Management  • Team Building • Systems Analysis  • P&L Responsibility • Multi-facet/facility Contracting

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
  • Author of Above the Clouds Managing Risk in the World of Cloud Computing
  • Internationally recognized IT Governance expert
  • 25+ years of experience in IT Governance, Cyber Security and Project Management
  • Specialization in Data Center, Cloud Computing and Business Continuity
Additional Comments:

As an accomplished leader in both technology and business, I bring all of these skills to bear on providing senior level guidance on IT Governance, Infrastructure, Risk Management and Security.  I would like to focus these skills to help PMIWDC increase their membership engagement, bringing the power of social media together with technology.  Together we can accomplish great things!

Efrain Pacheco

Candidate Statement: Efrain P Pacheco, PMP
Current/previous experience: AVP Chapter to Chapter - 2009; VP of Professional Development - 2010

My previous roles as a member of the board of directors of the PMIWDC has allowed me through the use of technology expand the reach of the chapter around the world and to provide cost effective PDU opportunities in service to our membership.

I served in the PMIWDC board previously as the VP of Professional Development and the Chapter to Chapter AVP.

My professional career includes project management, program management, technology implementation, process and the ability to work with C levels customers as a strategic partner helping business leaders make the business oriented technology decisions.  I managed technology projects with Global and Nationwide scope.

My experience includes Software Development, Infrastructure deployment, Training, Business Continuity, Logistic, Supply Chain, Support Centers, PMO among others.

Personal Background:
I was an area governor for Toastmasters when I resided in Chicago.
I am an instructor for project management classes both nationally and internationally venues.
I have a green belt in Six Sigma.
I hold the Master Certificate in Earned Value from PMI College of Performance Management.

Naresh Saharya

Candidate Statement: Naresh Saharya
Current/previous experience: AVP Technology (Global Webinars and General Technology Area focus),  2010 - Present; AVP Volunteer Coordination (Application Development/Technology Area focus), 2008 - 2010; Volunteer - Volunteer Coordination (Technology area focus), 2007 - 2008

I am a growth-oriented and seasoned IT Professional with over 20 years of progressive global experience spanning America, Asia, and Middle-East in Project/Program Management, Business and Systems Analysis, Design/Integration, and Quality Management. I have been associated with US Federal as well as Civil businesses covering Health Care, Telecom/Networking, Manufacturing verticals, working for small businesses to fortune 500 firms. I have been actively associated with the PMIWDC board since July 2007.

This position seeks a leader with sound Technology skills, who can effectively articulate one’s experience to address problems in various domains from sundry logistics to strategic planning of a complex technology project with ease and aplomb. I have utilized such skills for Volunteer and Technology committees and have been instrumental in successful implementation of programs including Volunteer Badge Management, Volunteer Impact System, and Global Webinars series. I welcome new challenges and take immense pride in whatever endeavor I undertake. My overall experience in Technology Projects and Quality Management has strengthened this belief in the board members and I have continuously tried to do better. I have received excellent rating and commendation from the Board.

I am a ‘People’s Manager’, who understands the sublime importance of building an effective team, which delivers with minimal contentions. I have been also selected as a PMI LIMC 2012 Master Class participant, which supports my abilities to serve in this position.

It is for my desire to perform at even higher levels; I seek candidature as VP Technology and feel that I am a deserving candidate.

Personal Background:
Proud father of 2 sons-14 and 18. Guitarist, Open-mind thinker, Love Music, Food and Wine

Election for VP Volunteer Coordination

The VP Volunteer Coordination is responsible for actively working with the PMIWDC Board and the AVPs, Volunteer Coordination in identifying and placing volunteers on PMIWDC committees, teams, ad hoc groups, and other such units that support the strategic direction of the chapter. This also entails ensuring that volunteers are duly recognized and rewarded for their service to the PMIWDC chapter.

Samir Mazmudar

Candidate Statement: Samir Mazmudar
Current/previous experience: Committee Chair for PMIWDC Volunteers for PMI Global Congress/LIM 2010 – September, 2010; PMOTY (PM of the year)  2009 Selection Committee member; AVP Networking Programs – PM Tools: Since September, 2009; Active Volunteer for PM Tools – Networking Programs: Since May, 2007

Samir began the dynamic experience as a PMIWDC volunteer in early 2007 and in the interim settled in as the host of the monthly PM Tools sessions. As a current AVP – PM Tools, Samir is actively working with the PMIWDC board, volunteers and member community in identifying topics, bringing speakers on PM Tools sessions and supporting the strategic direction of the chapter. Samir served as a member of the PM of the year-2009 (PMOTY) Selection Committee and lead the chapter’s effort of volunteer coordination for PMI’s 2010 Global Congress/ LIM. Samir has an experience of a governance role performing oversight of an organization and has the ability to evaluate the performance of an organization including finances. Samir’s global career spans over twenty years of consulting experience in enterprise project/portfolio management, business strategy, and technical solutions in a variety of projects, industries. Samir holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and MBA in Finance. A certified PMP since 2005, Samir is currently a Director- PMO for an IT consulting services firm, Network Specialty Group, Inc. (NSGI) and serves as an Engagement Manager for US federal agency.

Samir brings in the passion and energy to understand and respond to the needs to achieve constructive outcomes for the chapter’s member community and believes that the position will be a great opportunity to make use of his talent and experience into the extended territories.

Bob Trafton

Candidate Statement: Robert C. Trafton (Bob)
Current/previous experience: Volunteer, New Member Committee; Feb., 2011 – present.

I am currently a Sr. Project Manager with Navy Federal Credit Union. When I joined PMIWDC in Feb. 1995, Project Management was becoming a new career path. I had recently retired from IBM. As I explored this new career of Project Management, I realized this is what I have been doing for my entire career as a developer, systems engineer, marketing representative, and Area Regional Specialist in technology. I joined the chapter, studied for the exam using self-study and chapter based tutorial sessions. In short order, I participated in the development of OPM3 and led a study team on the evaluation of PRINCE2 as a PM methodology. I became a traveling consultant as a PM and was not able to attend the Chapter meetings. I am now local and since February, 2011 have served as a Volunteer with the New Member Committee. I received my BA from the University of Maryland, and earned credits toward a MS in Computer Science from SUNY Binghamton while attending IBM’s Systems Research Institute.

Leena Tripathi

Candidate Statement: Leena Tripathi
Current/previous experience: Board Member of Appointee Qualification Committee for one year 2007.

I have senior management experience in domestic and global business, experience gained in management positions with enterprise and “Big-5” consulting in multiple industries, extensive project and program management experience. Extensive education including: Masters Degree in Engineering Management from Northwestern University, Masters Degree in Political Science, B.S. in computer Science, Certified Project Manager (PMP), Certified IT Auditor (CISA). Proficient in foreign languages:  Hindi and Gujarati, working knowledge of Bengali and Urdu. 

Election for VP Business Services

The VP Business Services role provides support to the PMIWDC chapter leadership in the areas of chapter event processes and contract negotiation and management. The Business Services VP provides development and documentation of PMIWDC event management processes, identifies event policy needs and provides event policy documentation. In addition to event process development and documentation, the Business Services Vice President is responsible for ensuring that event processes and policies are uniformly applied. The Vice President Business Services negotiates and manages the Association Management Services contract that provides management and administrative services to the chapter membership for the chapter.
Charlene Draine

Candidate Statement: Charlene Draine
Current/previous experience: Past Board Member, Puget Sound chapter, Seattle, Washington.  Held VP Programs position September 2009 – September 2010.

I believe evangelists for the Project Management approach have been heard. Now, businesses are looking to us for leadership in Project Management.

I personally don’t want to disappoint them, but truly delight them with cutting-edge PM expertise that brings business vision to life. This Washington DC Chapter makes this opportunity available. Regional businesses rely on PMIWDC to supply collaborative opportunities that will mutually benefit business, our chapter, and its member body. I look forward to helping this chapter become a true change agent among these stakeholders!

My fascination with project management expertise heightens when I understand how PM skills transcend all industries. Establishing and maintaining consistency in our chapter’s presentation of/to businesses across industries will require expert contract negotiation and management. These are career skill I’ve mastered while initiating / monitoring contracts for the automotive industry and in my current position as a trainer/Coach for Cheetah Learning.

I have already enhanced the chapter’s business opportunities by demonstrating transparency and clarity in events for the upcoming October career conference. Attending each diner meeting and “PM in the AM” since relocating to DC in January helped me understand the WDC chapter audiences. Prospective businesses should feel just as encouraged and confident doing business with PMIWDC. I have a proposal for growth by leveraging cross-industry knowledge through enhanced contract negotiations for venues and programs, building relationships and maintaining industry connections on behalf of PMIWDC. Contract integrity will assist our chapter in becoming a well-known resource for hiring PM talent and learning new information.

Of course, any board position pivots on collaboration. I believe it will require every pair of ears on the Board to clearly hear all member suggestions – and let you know you’ve been heard. After all, if elected as a Board member, I will be providing a volunteer service to this chapter.

Samir Mazmudar

Candidate Statement: Samir Mazmudar
Current/previous experience: Committee Chair for PMIWDC Volunteers for PMI Global Congress/LIM 2010 – September, 2010; PMOTY (PM of the year)  2009 Selection Committee member; AVP Networking Programs – PM Tools: Since September, 2009; Active Volunteer for PM Tools – Networking Programs: Since May, 2007

Samir began the dynamic experience as a PMIWDC volunteer in early 2007 and in the interim settled in as the host of the monthly PM Tools sessions. As a current AVP – PM Tools, Samir is actively working with the PMIWDC board, volunteers and member community in identifying topics, bringing speakers on PM Tools sessions and supporting the strategic direction of the chapter. Samir served as a member of the PM of the year-2009 (PMOTY) Selection Committee and lead the chapter’s effort of volunteer coordination for PMI’s 2010 Global Congress/ LIM. Samir has an experience of a governance role performing oversight of an organization and has the ability to evaluate the performance of an organization including finances. Samir’s global career spans over twenty years of consulting experience in enterprise project/portfolio management, business strategy, and technical solutions in a variety of projects, industries. Samir holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and MBA in Finance. A certified PMP since 2005, Samir is currently a Director- PMO for an IT consulting services firm, Network Specialty Group, Inc. (NSGI) and serves as an Engagement Manager for US federal agency.

Samir brings in the passion and energy to understand and respond to the needs to achieve constructive outcomes for the chapter’s member community and believes that the position will be a great opportunity to make use of his talent and experience into the extended territories.

Bob Trafton

Candidate Statement: Robert C. Trafton (Bob)
Current/previous experience: Volunteer, New Member Committee; Feb., 2011 – present.

I am currently a Sr. Project Manager with Navy Federal Credit Union. When I joined PMIWDC in Feb. 1995, Project Management was becoming a new career path. I had recently retired from IBM. As I explored this new career of Project Management, I realized this is what I have been doing for my entire career as a developer, systems engineer, marketing representative, and Area Regional Specialist in technology. I joined the chapter, studied for the exam using self-study and chapter based tutorial sessions. In short order, I participated in the development of OPM3 and led a study team on the evaluation of PRINCE2 as a PM methodology. I became a traveling consultant as a PM and was not able to attend the Chapter meetings. I am now local and since February, 2011 have served as a Volunteer with the New Member Committee. I received my BA from the University of Maryland, and earned credits toward a MS in Computer Science from SUNY Binghamton while attending IBM’s Systems Research Institute.

Leena Tripathi

Candidate Statement: Leena Tripathi
Current/previous experience: Board Member of Appointee Qualification Committee for one year 2007.

I have senior management experience in domestic and global business, experience gained in management positions with enterprise and “Big-5” consulting in multiple industries, extensive project and program management experience. Extensive education including: Masters Degree in Engineering Management from Northwestern University, Masters Degree in Political Science, B.S. in computer Science, Certified Project Manager (PMP), Certified IT Auditor (CISA). Proficient in foreign languages:  Hindi and Gujarati, working knowledge of Bengali and Urdu.