PMI Delaware Valley Chapter
Volunteer of the Month
Recognition for exemplary service
NOVEMBER 2023
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Abey Abraham
PMP certified 2009 | Wicked Problem Solving Practitioner certified 2022 | Chapter Member since 2021 | Volunteer since early 2023
Volunteer Chops
I began volunteering with the Marketing and Communications Committee in April of 2023 and have been working with Rich Lobron, Kaitlyn Luboff and Nancy Berger. We have been working together to redesign and evolve the newsletter content to draw attention to the wealth of resources available to Chapter members and celebrate the accomplishments within the community. I have been a member of PMI and the Chapter for several years and have benefited by the training and access to knowledge materials provided. I wanted to give back in some way to the organization and when I was made aware of a committee that could I could use my skills to support. It was an easy decision.
Q&A
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
Securing alignment from stakeholders is something I enjoy and excel at. I have learned over the years that good listening skills are worth it’s weight in gold. Asking great questions and being patient to hear the answers allows me to truly understand end-user needs and find ways to get them what they truly want at the end.
Cool factoids?
I love being husband and dad and, obviously, throwing out a good Dad Joke now and then. Also love music, movies and good conversations about life.
Career Notes
I currently run agency operations at Baldwin & Obenauf, a creative agency headquartered in Somerville, New Jersey. I currently serve as SVP, Operations running the Project Management team, Technology and IT Infrastructure and Video Production.
I have been played many roles in my career. Both on the agency side and client side at CBS Sports and Barclays. In all the roles I have played – designer, web developer, product manager & CX Designer – I eventually became the person running projects and project teams, a fact that led me to learn more and eventually secure my PMP and CSM Certifications. I will be starting my DASM Certification Process in the new year.
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OCTOBER 2023
Paula DAmico
PMP certified 2006 | Chapter Member since 2004 | Volunteer since early 2023
Volunteer Chops
I knew I wanted to give back through volunteering - something I forfeited to raise my family and earn a graduate degree while working full-time. In August 2023, 60 days into my career transition, I submitted my volunteer application for Future Cities and the AI Interest Group - a perfect way to give back and stay abreast of practice changes while in transition. I soon met Ken Golkin – need I say more!
Q&A
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I excel in Planning and Execution aspects of project management – system thinking - pulling the plan together, managing cross-functional teams, communicating effectively at all levels, and monitoring organization changes that may positively or adversely affect project outcomes, and bringing the work across the line.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
There are always challenges in managing projects. I overcome challenges in project management by engaging team members in issues and solutions and communicating with stakeholders / sponsors.
Cool factoids?
I began my career as a Middle and High School teacher of French and Spanish and used Spanish to pivot into business. One of my first assignments, which I thought was a joke, was to translate a letter from Spain found by one of the Executives in a bottle along the Jersey shore. The beginning of their lifelong friendship by mail!
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
My children are both creative. My son works for Netflix in the Music Division (Los Angeles) and my daughter owns and operates Tache de Naissance, infant apparel (New York City). While my children are not in the area, my husband - a highly sought after behavioral psychologist - and I enjoy our times with our growing family including three grand-children on both coasts.
Career Notes
I have worked in various industries such as healthcare, professional services, and financial services and held roles such as SVP - Strategic Project Management at Genesis Healthcare, Sr. Director, Enterprise Resource Management at CoreTech Consulting, and VP and Chief Administrative Officer at Willis Corroon Corporation.
SEPTEMBER 2023
Kristi Baldwin, PMP, AHPP, RYT
PMP certified 2009 | Chapter Member since 2008 | Volunteer since 2009
Volunteer Chops
Kristi started volunteering early, beginning with the Director of Training in 2009 and eventually worked her way into additional leadership roles: VP of Education, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Vice President, and Chapter President. Kristi additionally worked with Jim Snyder in the Philadelphia School system and taught Project Management at Philadelphia High School, and an alternative school in Granite Run Mall. She also played a pivotal role in the Chapter’s early connections to YMWIC.
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
Ruth Anne Guerrero, who is my mentor and dear friend now, was looking for a director of training in my early days with the Chapter. She was so compelling about the role that I called her the next day.The chapter has always been good for me: the organization and the people I met have influenced my career since I joined. I would not be where I am today without the chapter network that I have. I know if I need anything they are there. I am forever grateful to the chapter for what I learned. Volunteering is my way of giving back.
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I think teaching, I also teach for the chapter and have been involved with the education team since my involvement with Director of Training. It has come a long way but that avenue allows me to continue to teach not only for the chapter, but local universities, once I retire I will look to get into high schools again.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
I think what is challenging is that so few organizations really value project management and take the time to implement it well. I can only share my knowledge I can’t make them change. I can however make them think, that is the key.
Cool factoids?
I now live on a farm in Idaho with 4 dogs, 3 goats, 4 horses (2 minis), 12 cats. I love it here and it is so different from living in a big city. I still volunteer for the chapter when I can find something I can do remotely.
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
My most memorable trips are the PMI events that I traveled with the chapter leadership each year when I served. Being able to network with other chapters was so interesting and enlightening.
Career Notes
Kristi currently works as a Project Manager for Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology company with over 170 years of experience and 18,000 patents.
AUGUST 2023
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Jeff Rule, PMP
PMP certified 2020 | Chapter Member since 2013 | Volunteer since 2022
Volunteer Chops
Jeff began volunteering as a member of the Academic Outreach Committee in 2022, helping to plan and organize virtual sessions and seeking opportunities to foster new partnerships with local schools and other non-profit groups. He now serves as Co-Director, along with Suzanne Dreitlein, of the team’s K-12 Outreach Program.
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
I’ve benefited a great deal from applying principles and foundations of Project Management to both my professional and personal life and have found that the sooner you introduce a person to the foundations of the discipline, the greater the impact it can have. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make a difference in others’ lives by sharing skills that have proven so valuable in my own experience. By creating new Project Management learning opportunities and forging new partnerships with K-12 organizations, younger generations may have a variety of dynamic opportunities that build confidence and professional skills.
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I feel I am strongest in stakeholder management and communication. Clear communication is necessary in every part of life, and I strive to make sure that I constantly find ways to refine my communication skills. I also enjoy motivating a team and being an advocate who removes obstacles for them.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
I have found scope management to be the biggest challenge because it can so easily expand or change unless carefully and consistently monitored. With clear communication and precise documentation, you can mitigate and often prevent scope creep. If those measures alone aren’t enough, I strive to find a compromise that can help balance the request while continuing to meet project needs.
Cool factoids?
I enjoy playing pinball and competing in tournaments
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
The Grand Canyon for its natural beauty.
Career Notes
Jeff currently serves as the Assistant Director, IT Contracts and Vendor Management at Villanova University, managing maintenance budgets and renewal processes for a wide variety of higher education and academic computing vendors (including Microsoft, Adobe, and IBM), and developing partnership strategies to ensure the successful deployment of key organizational and enterprise-wide initiatives.
JULY 2023
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Leigh Ann Gunther
Certified Agile Leadership Essentials (2023); Certified Agile Leadership for Organizations (2023); Certified SAFe® 5 Advanced Scrum Master (2023); Scrum Foundations Educator (2022); Certified Scrum Professional (2017); PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (2016); Certified Scrum Product (2015); Certified ScrumMaster (2014) Project Management Professional (2013).
Volunteer Chops
Leigh Ann joined the Chapter volunteer team in 2021, jumping right in as the Director of Agile (a role she holds to this day). In this capacity, she interfaces with the Programs and Education Committee to bring together Agile Resources to support members as they explore Agile Frameworks and “Flavors of Agility." She also works to bring Chapter members together with various Agile resources to guide them through personal and professional development. In July of 2023, Leigh Ann took on additional Chapter responsibilities when she was nominated to the Board of Directors as Vice President of Education.
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
Fifteen years ago, I took Project Management courses with the PMI Delaware Valley Chapter. It was a great learning experience, and I owe much to the chapter and Bill Schnauffer for making it through the PMP Certification exam on my first attempt. Now, I'm proud to give back to an organization that has given so much to me!
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I excel in effectively communicating with team members and stakeholders.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
My biggest project management challenges are keeping my team motivated, on track, and dealing with unexpected changes and obstacles.
Cool factoids?
I lived and studied in Germany as a Graduate student for two years.
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
The ruins of Pompeii.
Career Notes
Leigh Ann works as a Senior Technical Project Manager at Comcast—her employer since 2014—and serves additionally as a Scrum Master, Product Owner and Agile Mentor. Before Comcast, she worked for Intertek, a global testing house, in their Mobile Software division. While at Intertek, she oversaw Engineers and testing labs in India, China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
JUNE 2023
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Niki Weiss
PMP, PMP-RMP
PMP certified Nov 2015 | PMP-RMP certified Aug 2021 | Chapter Member since 2013
Volunteer Chops
Niki was recruited as a volunteer at her first Chapter meeting back in September 2013 and has been an active contributor to the Chapter ever since. He roles have included Volunteer Coordinator; Director of Higher Education Partners; Disciplined Agile Champion; member of the Board of Directors; Vice President of Education; and Study Group Director. Her motivation? "As I contribute to others, I learn more about myself."
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
As I contribute to others, I learn more about myself.
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I thrive in stakeholder management. It's so important. And, in so many ways, the most satisfying aspect of work.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
Keeping up with emerging technologies. It can be overwhelming. Things are moving so fast. I simply do my best to adhere to a "lifelong learner" approach.
Cool factoids?
I am really fond of dogs, dog training, etc.
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
The Canadian bush, specifically on an epic 5-day camping dog-sled adventure.
Career Notes
As a Project Management Professional, Niki leads project teams with proven track record of delivering global, full lifecycle projects on time, on scope, and on budget. This includes expertise in regulatory compliance, research, and healthcare with a high level of enthusiasm for blockchain/DeFi/web3.
Current Employer: Cigna
Senior Business Delivery Manager (Global Health Benefits)
Provide counsel and advice to top management on significant business project management matters, often requiring coordination within a complex organization.
MAY 2023
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Kaitlyn Luboff
PMP certified 2019 | DASM certified 2021 | Chapter volunteer since 2021
Volunteer Chops
When I first joined the Chapter, I was tasked with creating social media posts encouraging members to volunteer. We would spotlight several volunteer positions or projects each week. Over a couple of weeks, we solicited feedback from existing volunteers with the question, "Why do you volunteer?" The feedback was, to say the least, limited. The Chapter needs the talents and efforts of the members.
Presently, I help coordinate arrangement, editing and publishing of the monthly newsletter, PMI-DVC Connect. We have continuously improved it since it was restarted under Frank Anbari's direction in 2021.
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
Communication. Lean communication.
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I think planning is one of my strengths. I know it’s importance is obvious. But the tangibility of execution can sometimes tempt us to move too quickly through planning. So I put a lot of energy into those early stages of a project. And the discovery and learning involved in working through a plan with your stakeholders, in covering your bases and mitigating potential risks—it’s very rewarding to me.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
Again, communication. How individuals and groups communicate is constantly changing. I am continuously learning from my mistakes, and the needs of others, about ways to communicate better.
Cool factoids?
I recently ran 33 miles (in a row) at the Ultra Race of Champions in Stuarts Draft, VA. I also lead the Grounds Committee at my local community garden.
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
Sumatra, Indonesia.
Career Notes
Lead Enterprise Project Manager
As a scientist–I graduated from Temple University with a BS in Biology–I think I've always worked on projects in some form. A scientific hypothesis is similar to a Project Objective, research methods are similar to a Project Schedule, and every good researcher knows to expect the unexpected–much like managing project risks. As such, I started by working on academic research projects, and worked my way into a healthcare technology company as a Research Assistant. Via a series of fortunate events, and by keeping my eyes open for growth opportunities, I worked on larger and more complex projects. In 2019, I earned my PMP. I can honestly say I would not have landed my most recent job without my certification.
APRIL 2023
Melissa Miller
PMP certified 2018 | Chapter member since 2017 | Chapter volunteer since 2020
Volunteer Chops
Job Posting Board & Networking Calls Volunteer
Melissa is a standout member of the Chapter’s Job Posting Board team, working at the intersection of employers/agencies, job opportunities and a job candidates. She also spearheads Job Posting Board networking calls.
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
What could be better than helping people link-up with promising job opportunities? I find it very rewarding. I think the same can be said for the networking calls: helping others. But, honestly, getting to know and working with so many great people in the Chapter—this is some pretty good motivation as well.
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I think planning is one of my strengths. I know it’s importance is obvious. But the tangibility of execution can sometimes tempt us to move too quickly through planning. So I put a lot of energy into those early stages of a project. And the discovery and learning involved in working through a plan with your stakeholders, in covering your bases and mitigating potential risks—it’s very rewarding to me.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
For me, the most challenging aspect might be communicating an issue to a client. I don’t anyone really feels comfortable in these situations. But I have found that most people are comforted when you’re clear and upfront and do so in a timely manner. I feel it’s best to deliver the message in a constructive way that helps them work through the decisions they need to make.
Cool factoids?
I love to read, write, blog and have designs on publishing Children’s stories someday.
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
I thoroughly enjoyed staying in Lisbon, Portugal. It was an unexpected trip and, the memories, beautiful.
Career Notes
Melissa presently works as a Business Process Consultant for Dupont, working in Continuous Improvement. She is a Chemical Engineer, with a BS from Drexel University and an MS from the University of Delaware.
MARCH 2023
Suzanne Dreitlein
CAPM certified 2021 | Chapter member since 2018; volunteer since 2021
Volunteer Chops
Social Media Lead, K-12 Outreach/Future Cities, Website Redesign
Suzanne began her volunteer journey with Chapter as a late addition to the website redesign team. Her background in website development and management proved critical in overcoming a number of structural challenges that had stumped the team for months. The Future Cities Program was the next volunteer opportunity to catch her eye and touch her heart. Today, Suzanne serves as co-direcdtor of the the Program's K-12 outreach. And if that wasn't enough, Suzanne then assumed the reins for all of the Chapter's social media channels.
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
With social media, I love getting the word out about the great things the Chapter is doing and our awesome members! With K-12 outreach, there is a real opportunity to make a difference in these kids’ lives by sharing tools and practices that will help them solve problems and meet challenges. With educational outreach, the focus has typically been on college age students. But I absolutely believe that younger students can benefit from learning project management skills in a way that makes sense for them. I observed this concept actualized while volunteering with the Future Cities competition. I’m working with the K-12 outreach team to bring this success to other programs in the Delaware Valley area.
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
Quantitatively, according to my CAPM exam results, I am above average in everything except project scope management (of which I am at target). Qualitatively, I feel like I’m a solid all-around committed project manager with a strong sense of empathetic project management, especially in the areas of communication, requirements analysis, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. That said, I really enjoy working through all the project stages and processes, being a cheerleader for the team, and an advocate for my projects. I’m an enthusiastic project manager with a lot of energy in both my professional and personal projects!
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
I work in higher education, so budget is a big challenge, as well as trying to come up with creative ways to accomplish goals. Actually, this is a challenge pretty much across the board. Budget worries are a constant. I find the other challenges inherent to project management to be much more within my control. But budget is usually the one inflexible constraint that I face.
During graduate school, my team focused our capstone project on project communications. It seemed that communication was often at the root of the project failures that we had studied. It also factored in to the challenges we faced on our research subjects. So, as a project manager, I make sure to focus on empathetic and thorough communication throughout my projects.
Cool factoids?
I’m a time-traveler in my leisure time. I believe it’s acquired a technical name: history bounding. Mostly, this means I go to various historical-themed events like renaissance festivals, jazz age picnics, tweed bicycle rides, and colonial and regency country dances. I like to seek out antiques at estate sales as well. My house is a moderately old, row house in the general vicinity of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. So I’m in an excellent place for history.
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
The Eighteenth Century. Well, sort of. My husband and I traveled to Colonial Williamsburg, stayed in one of the historic houses, and wore Eighteenth Century clothing throughout the visit. The experience has a transportive, time-travel quality to it.
Career Notes
Suzanne presently works as the Web Manager for the Drexel University College of Medicine.
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FEBURARY 2023
Mark Turner, PMP
PMP-certified April 2020 | Chapter Member since 2020 | Chapter Volunteer since 2021
Volunteer Chops
Website Architect, Webmaster, MarComm Committee
Over the past year and a half, Mark brought his strategic communication and information design background to bear on one of the Chapter’s larger recent initiatives: the new website. Rather than simply migrating the old website to a new platform, Mark envisioned a bold leap forward. Lean, engaging writing. Modern design. Out-the-box thinking on content curation and new generation engagement. In tandem with program management leaders such as Kathy Lajoie Malik and Allen Hughes and countless other volunteers, Mark drove forward the gold-standard website we enjoy today. Mark now serves as Chapter Webmaster.
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
Three reasons. One, I believe very much in service to others. Two, I love a good challenge and believe that many things in life can be nudged towards a state of near perfection. From the starting gate, I was chomping at the bit to tackle the Chapter website. And, three, I’m in a bit of a career transition. Being between jobs, I felt a good, meaty project would give me an opportunity to generate some work product, network with some great people, and elevate my marketability (shameless plug: I’m still looking for that next job). Ultimately, I am so grateful for the friendships I’ve developed in working with so many other dedicated volunteers. That’s the real benefit of volunteering. Life is so short. To me, people matter most.
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I would say it would be a tie between communications and stakeholder management. For the bulk of my career, writing and information design have been my bread and butter. I really enjoy penning and designing a clear, persuasive message with an economy of words. Edward Tufte—a guru of information design—refers to this as the data-ink ratio. As for stakeholders, I simply love working with others. Each one unique. I find that when you get past the surface and really get to know a person, the work product becomes sharper. I work very hard to build those deeper working relationships.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
Scope creep. I am eager for challenges and love to be of service. Sometimes I find it hard to say no when a request for additional work appears. I have to remind myself that the project charter is gospel and that changes and additions need to be handled with scrutiny and discipline.
Cool factoids?
In 2017, I walked 1000 miles over the course of six months. All of it in Valley Forge park, typically between 4:00 and 8:00 in the morning. It began on a lark, something of a mobile mediation exercise. But as the numbers began to increase (I used the Stepz app on my phone), the clean target of 1000 became a mission. I also have a screenplay in the works and a collaborator in New Orleans. Maybe I’ll have a little more time for it now that the Chapter website is up and humming.
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
The Swiss Alps stay with you. I hiked the Alps a lifetime ago and the pristine landscape, the grandeur of the mountains, and cleanliness of every village—it’s really something special. However, the place that surprised me the most (defied my expectations, so to speak) is Milwaukee. It struck me as such an interesting blend of old and new. And the proximity to Lake Michigan is a wonderful plus.
Career Notes
Presently looking for my next career opportunity. I’m a Strategic Communication professional. Writing, information design, communication strategy…my wheelhouse.
If you have a lead on an opportunity, mturner@pmi-dvc.org.
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JANUARY 2023
Jessica McBride
MBA, PMP, LSS Green Belt, CPBPM
PMP certified April 2016 | Chapter Member since 2016 | Chapter Volunteer since 2021
Volunteer Chops
Job Posting Board Committee, New Website Committee
Jessica has been a double-duty Chapter volunteer since the summer of 2021. As a member of the Job Posting Board team, Jess works with recruiters to showcase job opportunities on the Chapter board, contributes to the job-search focused Career Connections Newsletter and Chapter-driven networking calls. On the new website team, she’s played a pivotal role as advisor, content editor and functionality/work-flow guru.
Q&A
Why you do it…volunteer?
I graduated from business school in May of 2021 and my tenure on the board I was serving on was complete in late 2020. So I was looking for a way to give back with some time I found in my schedule. I was lucky enough to get on the job board immediately and was able to contribute right out of the gate. So it kind of stuck! Soon thereafter, I was recruited for website duty, which was also fun and gave me way to apply some skills I’d gained recently doing a very similar project at work. Overall, I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and expanding my network.
In what aspect of project management do you excel?
I think we excel at what we are naturally good at and for me, my favorite part of PM work is communicating and bringing stakeholders on the journey from idea to successful implementation. I’ve been told I’m a good communicator/interpreter, with fluency in both IT and engineering. I also really like building out the process for how things “should” be done. In my current role, I built out how prioritization would work for competing priorities.
What challenges you…from a PM perspective?
For me, where I excel and what challenges me—one in the same. Humans are difficult. Being one is hard and navigating biases, competing agendas and egos is extremely challenging. Perhaps that’s why it feels so good when we have a success in this area. I also find celebrating wins challenging. It’s not that I don’t like them – It just doesn’t come naturally for me to think about having a pizza party at a key milestone completion. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by a team that fills in this gap for me because I think celebrations are really, really important for motivation – especially on multi-year projects.
Cool factoids?
I am an amateur photographer—indulging when my busy life allows. I am an animal lover. Picture that crazy dog lady you see on social media and in memes. And I have 6 nieces and 1 nephew—all under the age of 10. I love to be the fun aunt and take them on adventures.
Most interesting place(s) you’ve visited?
Travel is a huge part of my life. It fills my cup. My dream trip to the Galapagos Islands comes to mind as far as most interesting. But I think I learned the most on my trips to Morocco and Nepal. And, as a special PM note, I find travel is good for communication skills and to learn about other cultures—especially if you work on international projects.
Career Notes
Inteach | www.intealth.org
Assistant Vice President of Strategy & Project Management
Not-for-profit working with doctors immigrating to the United States.
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Good Thinking | www.goodthinkingteam.com
Co-Founder
Consulting, coaching and speaking organization concentrating on the intersection of Behavioral Economics, Change Management and Process Improvement.
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Jessica previously worked in the private sector in both real estate and the legal fields and the public sector at the Commonwealth of PA.
