Blog

Letter from the Board Chair(s)

Dear PMI Phoenix Chapter Members, 

Shane Cretacci, 2024 Board Chair, and Milan Dordevic, 2025 Board Chair, would like to jointly thank the Board Directors who are leaving after serving from 2023-2024. Special thanks go to Heather Cardosi, Board Secretary, Danielle Lee, Board Director of Marketing, and Derick Brownell, Board Director of Programs/Membership, for their dedicated service. 

We are excited to welcome new members to the board for the 2025-2026 term. Mohamad Fakih will join as Board Director of Technology, Rebecca Hutchison as Board Director of Marketing, Andrea Jones as Board Secretary, and Steven Poessnecker as Board Director of Membership. Their fresh perspectives and expertise will be invaluable. 

We also want to extend our gratitude to the directors renewing their terms for 2025-2026. Pitchiah Balasubramanian will continue as Board Treasurer, Cynthia Ford as Board Director of Community Outreach and Remote Engagement (CORE), Keytoria King as Board Director of Programs, Aaron Jang as Board Director of Professional Development, Sean Ryan Board Director of Academic and Military Outreach, and Stephanie Hanko as our Past Board Chair. Their ongoing commitment is greatly appreciated. 

Let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate Shane Cretacci’s selection and elevation to the PMI position of Region 7 (Southwest Region) Mentor. While we will miss his expertise on our Board of Directors, his extensive experience will greatly benefit the region, and PMI gains an exceptional mentor for the southwest chapters. 

We also want to thank our corporate partner, Nextiva, for continuing to provide space in their training facility for our Board of Directors’ day-long strategy sessions. Their hospitality and partnership have been invaluable in facilitating our planning on many initiatives this past year. 

Throughout 2024, we experienced steady growth, with membership increasing by about 10% month-over-month. We began 2025 with over 2600 members, the highest membership rate the Chapter has ever achieved! This growth is a testament to our events, programs, and collaborations with community partners, as well as the dedication of our volunteers. Volunteer engagement has also seen a steady increase, which is crucial for the Chapter’s operations. 

Our strong financial position has enabled us to successfully manage all our chapter events and programs, ensuring the continued delivery of exceptional value to our members. With a robust annual turnover and greater backup funds, we are well-positioned to sustain operations, expand program offerings such as Phoenix Fusion events, and respond to future opportunities with confidence. Together, we look forward to an even brighter year ahead. 

Looking ahead to 2025, PMI is hosting their 2025 Global Summit in Phoenix from November 12-15! This event is a fantastic opportunity to network, share knowledge, and learn from global trendsetters, thought leaders, and project professionals from around the world. The PMI Phoenix Chapter will be working with PMI Global to staff the event with 80 volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, you can register your interest on this form. 

There is a lot more in the plans for 2025. To stay up to date on everything your membership provides you, keep an eye on our monthly calendar as we add new speakers and events throughout the month.  

Watch our newsletter, LinkedIn Page, and website for details on all the Chapters’ programs and events, along with much more. If you are interested in volunteering, click here.  

Thank you for joining the PMI Phoenix, Chapter. You are a valued member, and we want you to get as much benefit from your membership as you can.   

Shane Cretacci                                                                       Milan Dordevic 

2024 PMI Phoenix Chapter Board Chair                                2025 PMI Phoenix Chapter Board Chair 

Volunteer Spotlight-Sheridan Smede

Sheridan Smede has been a PMI member for almost three years, joining in February 2022. She began volunteering immediately after becoming a member, driven by the branding on the website and her excitement to get involved. Sheridan has been an active volunteer, facilitating study groups, participating in the AZ PM Summit Sponsorship Committee for 2024, and volunteering for foot traffic and speaker introductions at the 2023 AZ PM Summit. She is committed to continuing her volunteer work, facilitating two sessions for every study group and even four in the last one, with plans to keep contributing as long as she is needed. Sheridan finds it incredibly rewarding to help people attain their PMP certification, making herself available to answer questions and provide support, even hopping on calls to boost their confidence.

Sheridan encourages new members and those considering volunteer work to express their interest right away, assuring them that there is something for everyone, regardless of their current role. She emphasizes the rewarding nature of giving back and the supportive environment that allows for growth and learning. Outside of her volunteer work, Sheridan has a hidden talent for hair braiding, loves any open body of water due to her background as a competitive swimmer, and enjoys playing The Sims. She is passionate about health and fitness, inspiring others to incorporate it into their lives, and is an avid reader, currently enjoying The Wheel of Time series. Her business philosophy is to be impeccable with her words, emphasizing reliability and trustworthiness. Inspired by her resilient parents, Sheridan’s proudest career moment was pivoting to a new company, significantly increasing her salary, and her proudest personal moment was purchasing her first home with her husband. Driven by her family and a desire to secure her future, Sheridan aims to learn scuba diving and skydiving, and is passionate about environmental causes and supporting animals in need.

Volunteer Spotlight-Jamie Lipper

Jaimie Lipper has been an active PMI member for a year, joining shortly after obtaining her PMP certification. Her volunteering began organically after meeting another enthusiastic volunteer, Rebecca Hutchinson, at an event, which led her to start volunteering with the Study Group and later join the Mentorship team. Jaimie has been involved in facilitating study groups, mentoring, and contributing to the 2023 AZ PM Summit. She finds great reward in encouraging and helping people succeed and knowing she played a part in their professional growth journey. Connecting with like-minded professionals and being part of their success stories has been a fulfilling experience for her.

Jaimie encourages new members to volunteer, emphasizing the benefits of expanding skill sets and connecting with a supportive community. She believes there is nothing to lose and everything to gain from volunteering. Outside of her volunteer work, Jaimie has a hidden talent for being ambidextrous, enjoys the vibrant life of Manhattan, her home, and indulges in chocolate as her guilty pleasure. Her personal philosophy is to “Live simply. Love deeply. Stay curious.” She is driven by a desire to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact as reflected in her personal motto, “Embrace growth and spread kindness.”

Volunteer Spotlight-Rebecca Hutchison

Rebecca Hutchison has been a dedicated PMI member since June 2023 and began her volunteer journey in September 2023. Her passion for volunteering was sparked at a networking event, where she was inspired by the organization and all of the people she met. Since then, Rebecca has been actively involved in various volunteer activities, including networking events, creating newsletters and emails, conducting a DEI survey, and contributing to the marketing of the 2024 AZ PM Summit. Her volunteer service has been incredibly rewarding, allowing her to gain valuable experience as a project manager, meet and learn from professionals in different disciplines, and witness the positive impact she is making within the community.

Rebecca's enthusiasm for volunteering is evident in her advice to new members or those considering volunteer work for the Chapter: "Volunteer. Do it. There’s always something to do. You can ask questions from others as you learn new things. Plus, you can make a friend." Beyond her volunteer work, Rebecca has a rich personal life filled with diverse interests and passions. She has a hidden talent for musical theater, loves spending time at the beach, and indulges in chocolate ice cream as her guilty pleasure. Rebecca is driven by a desire to be her best mentally and physically, constantly learning and striving for progress. Her personal motto, "Try anything once. It’s progress, not perfection," reflects her adventurous spirit and commitment to continuous improvement.

Volunteer Spotlight-Oliver Howard

Oliver Howard joined PMI in September 2023 and began volunteering immediately, inspired by his father who has held a PMP certification for over 20 years. After attending a PMI Chapter event and meeting Board Director Danielle Lee, he was eager to get involved and learn about project management. This year, Oliver has been an active member of the Marketing Team, contributing to the 2024 AZ PM Summit, managing social media, and helping design PMI Phoenix polo shirts for volunteers attending the Leadership Institute Meeting. Oliver finds great satisfaction in working with diverse individuals, learning from people in various industries, enjoying the opportunity to contribute and provide value to others.

Oliver encourages new members and those considering volunteer work to dive in, highlighting the supportive environment and the wealth of learning opportunities available. He believes that everyone is willing to help and that volunteering is a great way to gain experience. Outside of his volunteer work, Oliver has a hidden talent for solving Rubik’s cubes and playing the guitar. He loves classic rock music and enjoys spending time at the beach in Southern to mid-California. Passionate about sports, Oliver plays various sports daily and sometimes twice a day. His business philosophy emphasizes the importance of building relationships, and he is inspired by his parents, who have been his heroes and role models. Oliver’s proudest moments are the personal and professional growth he has experienced, and he is driven by a desire to continue learning and growing. His personal motto, “try to find balance,” reflects his commitment to maintaining equilibrium in all aspects of his life.

Volunteer Spotlight-Rachel Gersten

Rachel Gersten has been an active member of PMI for a little over a year and a half, joining as a volunteer in July 2023 after earning her PMP certification. Encouraged by Bob Gates and Marissa Akins, who recognized her potential, Rachel quickly took on roles such as Facilitator for the Study Group. Her volunteer activities this year have been diverse, including leading Saturday Study Group sessions, speaking at ASU about the PMP application process, participating as a DEI Committee Member and rolling out DEI strategies, and serving as the Sponsorship Chair for the 2024 AZ PM Summit. Rachel finds great reward in empowering the next generation of project managers and values the recognition she receives from those who have passed their exams, knowing she played a part in their journey.

Rachel’s passion for education and mentorship is deeply rooted in her family background of teachers. She believes in making a positive impact and encourages new members to volunteer, highlighting the opportunity to meet amazing people and make a difference. Outside of her volunteer work, Rachel has a hidden talent for synchronized swimming, enjoys relaxing on Caribbean beaches, creating delicious dishes in her kitchen, and indulging in cool ranch Doritos while binge-watching a funny TV show.

Her business philosophy is, “If you don’t ask; you don’t get,” emphasizes the importance of communication. Inspired by her mom, grandmas, and aunts, Rachel is driven by a desire to continually grow. Her colleagues would describe her as a cheerleader who always sees the positive and sets people up for success. Rachel’s personal motto, “Assume positive intent,” reflects her optimistic and supportive nature.