Volunteer of the Quarter

When did you first join PMI-SVC? 

Reply: 2002 and this is when I passed the PMP exam

What were you looking for when you joined?  

Reply: Networking was at the top of my list.  But I was also scanning the environment to see what types of jobs would be available for someone with my background.  PMI-SVC gave me that opportunity.

What have you learned (professionally and personally) through your volunteering journey? 

Reply: Volunteering gave me the opportunity to work side-by-side with others and to build long term relationships.  Many of the people I met back in 2002 are still considered as my “besties.”  And through these relationships, they have guided me to learn about multiple aspects of Project Management and Leadership.

What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer for the Chapter? Please complete this sentence: Being a volunteer for the Chapter has given me the opportunity to: 

Reply: In addition to being able to meet hundreds of people over the years, it has helped keep me in touch with what is happening in the chapter and making sure that we continue to provide knowledge and services that were provided to me.

What would you advise PMI-SVC members that are considering volunteering? 

Reply: You are not just giving your time, you are contributing to an organization that will provide you with knowledge, build your skills, and open the door to meet others that you may not typically cross paths with.  Remember, don’t just think about “networking.”  Think more along the lines of relationship building and what that means.

What do you like to do in your spare time?  

Reply:  Now that I am retired, I am spending my time trying to elevate my guitar playing skills.  I also have an electronics lab room where I work on repairing and restoring older guitar amplifiers.  Yes, there is a “mad scientist” part to me.  I guess I am also considered a “Home Depot Junkie” as I like to tackle home repair and improvement projects.  There is never a dull day.

1) How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?

This is my 3rd year volunteering.

2) What roles have you filled during your volunteering with PMI-SVC?

I have been co-chair and chair of the Agile Forum.

3) What value to you see in volunteering for the Chapter?

Personally, it helps me grow by planning discussions and researching particular subjects. As well, group feedback and relayed experience allows us all to learn from each other.

For the chapter, we need to have people step into roles to make a great experience for our members.

4) What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy running and nature photography.

1.When did you first join PMI-SVC?
I joined PMI-Sacramento Valley Chapter in September of 2021! In reflection, it is one of the best decisions I have made!

2.What were you looking for when you joined?
Once I learned that PMI chapters are volunteer-run communities that allow you to connect to other project management professionals, develop your skills and give back to your local area, I knew as a PMP Certificate holder, this might be the perfect community for me. I needed to find a structure and viable schedule to encourage me to continue to build on my PM discipline outside my typical work week. Discovering that many members, directors and board members have day jobs, I wanted to learn more intimately what Chapters offered those types of individuals. It has always been intriguing. What drew me in was the Guest Pass Program at PMI-SVC. It allowed me to get in and explore opportunities with no risks.

3.What have you learned (professionally and personally) through your volunteering journey?
Through my volunteering journey, I have learned a large amount about what a Chapter does for a community of peers and how these connections amplify one’s professional development. PMI-SVC’s calendar of events is jam-packed with options. The Board of Directors is highly active and engaged considering they are all volunteers as well. This experience has added a confidence level based on the trust learned in the best practices and integrity of those in the same discipline across all industries. While we all have niches, the core of our discipline is undeniably: project management and servant leadership. The lessons combined continue to polish my outlook, approaches, and playbook strategies. On a personal level, I sincerely and genuinely enjoy giving back when I can, while making a commitment to contribute.

4.What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer for the Chapter?
What I enjoy most about being a volunteer is working with our Vice President of Member Relations, Adam Schmidt. His leadership style, flexibility, agility, and delivery are exemplary in my opinion. The projects I am assigned align well with what I enjoy working on, passionately. The pressure is different when volunteering. I truly appreciate being able to explore new interests and datasets while applying my existing skillsets and toolbox to achieve the tasks at hand to practice and apply new skillsets while learning different software solutions “for fun”. Volunteering has expanded my technical horizons in various ways. Always learning, keeping things fresh and exciting. I love change and variety!

5.Please complete this sentence: Being a volunteer for the Chapter has given me the opportunity to: keep my mind sharp in different avenues of Project Management and Leadership. It places me in realistic scenarios to be part of problem-solving efforts for an entity that is all about giving back to its community.

6.What would you advise PMI-SVC members that are considering volunteering?
If you’re considering volunteering, just inquire within! As the Capital of California, belonging to the Sacramento Valley Chapter is an obvious choice if you are within your personal acceptable distance. Between virtual and in-person events, there should be plenty for you to pick from. Someone (including myself if requested) within PMI-SVC will be more than happy to spend some time with you to intimately discover what you could contribute towards while simultaneously receive the priceless return of giving back to our PM community as PDUs and other non-monetary fulfilling rewards!

7.What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy getting lost on my Can Am Ryker 900 Sport! When possible, I plan and love to travel to new locations. Some of my favorite local places include Monterey and Big Sur, even Hawaii. I’ve traveled to several states and plan to do several more. I hope to make it back to France this April 2023 and go even further eventually! I love visiting my friends and family as often as I can. Some of my other hobbies include interior design/décor and event planning!

1. How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?  

I have been volunteering at PMI-SVC since January 2022

  
2.  What roles have you filled during your volunteering with PMI-SVC?  

Marketing Coordinator

3.  What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?

I truly enjoy getting to work with leaders, like Kate, who are always willing to teach and support each and every person that comes their way.

4.  What do you like to do in your spare time? 

These days, I enjoy spending time with my wife and puppy as we dream about what it will be like to bring our baby boy into the world.

1. How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?  

I have been with PMI-SVC since August 2020.

  
2. What roles have you filled during your volunteering with PMI-SVC?  

Volunteer Mentor Program team and later Director of Mentor program

3. What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?

Networking, building a community of mentors and mentees and helping others to achieve their goals

4. What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Reading and spending time with my family

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts!

1.  How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?  

I have been working with PMI-SVC for one year.

  
2.  What roles have you filled?  

I am responsible for coordinating PMI certifications by planning, tracking and updating certification trainings on PMI-SVC website for chapter members.

Identify, assess and negotiate with vendors (ATP) to provide training to PMI-SVC chapter members. Establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with vendors, and fellow volunteers.

Track and maintain and update training records of all conducted, ongoing, and planned training.

Contribute to create strategies to promote PMI and other project management courses.

3.  What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?

Being a volunteer for the Chapter has given me the opportunity to: learn and to lead activities that helped me and Chapter members advance our skills. I enjoy working with PMI-SVC because it helps expand my connections, and grow my career advancement opportunities. And most importantly I can help other grow

4.  What do you like to do in your spare time? 

exercising and parenting

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts!

1.  How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?

     For 8 months (since December 2020)</>

2. What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?  

     Learning, respect and motivation from members, networking with others, and an inclusive leadership management.

3.  What do you like to do in your spare time?

     Cooking, playing soccer, travelling and computing.

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts!

1.  How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?     
I moved from St. Louis, Mo to  Sacramento, California in June of 2019. I joined the PMI-SVC chapter and started volunteering in Nov/Dec of 2019 under the VP of Professional Development. 

2.  What roles have you filled?    
I started as a Director of Dinner Meetings, now I am the Director of Forums. In 2021, I will be the new VP of Governance and Administration. 

3.  What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?
I enjoy giving back and learning new things. Being a volunteer allows me to do both.  As a volunteer  I  have made many new connections and the PMI network allows me not only to share what I know but in exchange I am able to learn new skills/strategies from the membership.  I am extremely passionate about project management, being a volunteer allows me to use my skill set to advance the profession. 

4.  What do you like to do in your spare time?   
In my spare time I am creative. I paint, draw, bake and plant my garden. I also like to restore/rehab antique or old furniture. I also consider myself a professional student, I spend a lot of time reading, writing and learning about new technology and software.

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts!

1. How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?  
I have been volunteering with PMI-SVC for eight months. My first position has been the Mentor Program.  I’ve learned a lot, met many people and look forward to continuing to volunteer.

2.  What roles have you filled?  
I’ve been a Chapter member for quite a while.  During most of that time I was not very active.  About two years ago I decided to take advantage of being a PMI member by learning about what is available and participating more.  In November, 2019 the Chapter advertised for the Mentor Program Director position.  Being very interested in contributing to people’s growth I volunteered and was chosen.

Throughout my career I’ve held positions associated with all aspects of IT solutioning and process improvement, from Sales, design/development, through adoption.  During most of my career I’ve used project management.

3.  What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?
Being a volunteer for the Chapter has given me the opportunity to:

• Engage and collaborate with Chapter members
• Improve my project management and communication skills in an area outside of the industry that I work in
• Get to know some of the Chapter leadership
• A sense of involvement, participation and giveback
• A greater exposure to the wealth of talent that our Chapter members process

4.  What do you like to do in your spare time? 

2020 2020
• I am currently unemployed so I spend time searching for a position.
• My wife and I spend time training and playing with our two dogs, Malinois, who have competed in working dog national championships.
• I have fun doing yardwork & house repairs, motorcycling, kayaking, hiking and socializing

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts.

How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?

Don't Recall likely around 2007

What roles have you filled?

Forum Chair I-80 Forum

What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?

Meeting with and learning from different people

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cycle, Travel Volunteer at my church

Our Volunteer Of the Quarter - Charles Schaefer

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts.

How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC? 
I have been volunteering with the PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter since I joined the half-dozen volunteers serving on the Government Forum committee, about 16 years ago. Over time, the size of the committee has become smaller, now with a couple of us securing presenters, along with some part time assistance with the venue. This is a truly lean (agile?) operation!  

What roles have you filled?
I have had the privilege of leading the PMI-SVC Government Forum since about 2006. My exposure to the Chapter forums and other events inspired me to become more involved with the various Professional Development opportunities that our Chapter provides to the community. In recent years, I had the honor to serve with our Chapter’s leadership team as a member of the Board of Directors. In 2014-2015, I served as VP of Professional Development. That experience fueled my passion to lead our great Chapter, so next I served as President from 2016-2017. Upon completing that term, I was appointed to the role of Chief Strategy Officer, where I served 2018-2019.

What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?

Serving our Chapter has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of my professional career! It has been a privilege to serve with such outstanding volunteers, on numerous committees and at all levels of the organization! This varied experience has provided me an opportunity to shape and to observe the evolution of this magnificent organization in so many positive ways! I am proud to have been a part of this, and have enjoyed contributing time and energy, along with so many other dedicated volunteers, to this worthy cause!

At a recent PMI leadership conference, the theme was ‘Servant Leadership’. This really struck a chord with me, since this is the essence of what we do as volunteers serving this Chapter and our community. The result is something much greater than ourselves. Just as some of my PMI-SVC predecessors inspired me to become more involved as a volunteer, I hope that my passion and enthusiasm for PMI and our Chapter has inspired some next generation Project Managers to become more involved and to continue serving our community!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am fortunate to have my kids and grandkids close by, so I enjoy spending quality time with them, whenever possible. Sometimes that means we stay put and work on a house “project” or, every once in a while, we can all get away and visit some new vacation spot within a short drive, preferably on the coast or in the mountains. I look forward to having more time to do these things in the years ahead.

Our Volunteer Of the Quarter - Melissa Harris 

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts.

How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?    

Since September 2018.

What roles have you filled?  

I'm the PMI Educational Foundation Liaison for the SVC Chapter, focusing on increasing relationships with the colleges and non-profits within our community.

What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?  

Volunteering with the PMI is incredibly rewarding for me because it gives me the opportunity to make permanent change in our community.  Project management is a skill set applicable to many fields and can be critical to a project's success.  It also isn't a career field students are traditionally exposed to in school.  Working with  Chapter members is the best volunteer experience I've had because we all embrace project management.  The Chapter is results motivated, and has been incredibly supportive of new member-lead initiatives.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I'm a cook and baker, and have a wonderful group of friends who share my passion for board games, food and wine.  I like to get out in nature and enjoy our public lands.  I'm a dedicated aunt to my two nieces, and try to exercise most days to manage my stress.

Our Volunteer Of the Quarter - Paul Pace

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts.

How long have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC? 
I started volunteering in 2012, managing the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)  and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) courses for PMI-SVC. In 2012, we also scheduled an Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) prep course. 

What roles have you filled?
I have concentrated on providing the Scrum courses for PMI-SVC. Normally, we schedule two CSM courses each year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Occasionally, we schedule a CSPO course, since there is not as much demand for CSPO as there is for CSM. 

What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?
I believe that PMI-SVC provides value to its members, folks outside of PMI-SVC, the businesses in the community and state and local government by offering the Scrum courses  

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy nature and the outdoors, skiing, music, and spending quality time with friends and family. I try to keep myself in shape through lifting weights and cardio. 

Our Volunteer Of the Quarter - Anthony Chen

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts.

How many years have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?    
Since 2015 so just a little over 4 years

What roles have you filled?  
2015 PMI-SVC Professional Development Day Co-Lead
2016 & 2017 PMI-SVC Professional Development Day Mobile App Product Owner
2018 PMI-SVC Attendee and Event Organizer Mobile Apps R&D Team Liaison

What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?
Making connections both personally and professionally with other chapter members and volunteers

Experiencing firsthand how volunteers keep the PMI-SVC chapter and all the various events running 
Seeing the difference PMI-SVC is creating for everyone looking for new roles and careers

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Playing with and coaching the Jesuit High School Tennis Team
Mentoring UC Davis MBA and PhD students in Entrepreneurship
Advisor for NorCal Section Future Business Leaders of America

Our Volunteer Of the Quarter - Kory Fesliyan

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts.

How many years have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC?    
- 1 year

What roles have you filled?  
- Project of the Year Committee Chairman

What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter?

- I enjoy that the chapter has opportunities to get involved in giving back to the project management community. The rewards in recognition aspects of the Project of the Year event recognizes projects, projects managers, and project staff for all their hard work on making projects successful that would otherwise go unnoticed. Also, I enjoy networking with other high performing volunteers.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

On my spare time I enjoy being creative through videography, photography and social media marketing. And, I enjoy listening to self-development audio books from time to time.

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts.      Benton is currently a Senior Project Manager with Vision Service Plan( VSP)

PMI-SVC : How many years have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC? 
Benton: Two years.

PMI-SVC: What roles have you filled?  
Benton: In 2017 I served on the Elections Committee and in 2018 I’m serving as the Chair of the PMI-SVC Agile Forum.

PMI-SVC: What do you enjoy about being a volunteer for the Chapter? 
Benton: I really enjoy being a Project Manager and I like helping the chapter to support the profession in our local area.  And let’s face it, I was highly motivated to get PDU’s so I didn’t have to take the PMP test again…

PMI-SVC: What do you like to do in your spare time? 
Benton: I forget what spare time means   , but when I’m not at work I spend time with my family and my kids’ activities, and I started a garden this year. 

Rose Elley: Career Development Forum Chair

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts and achievements as the Chair of the Career Development Forum.

PMI-SVC: How many years have you been volunteering for PMI-SVC? 
Rose: I moved to the PMI-Sacramento Chapter from the PMI-Denver Chapter in 2002. I started volunteering circa 2005 after graduating with my MBA from UC Davis and earning my PMP. I served on the PMI-SVC Board as VP Membership and VP Marketing. While VP Marketing, I founded the Career Development Forum with the exemplary assistance of Tom Carlos, for PMI-SVC members to specifically focus on career advancement while enabling rapid employment for those in career transition. 

PMI-SVC:  How many years with the Career Development Forum?  
Rose:   In my first four years leading the Career Development Forum, we met 52 times a years, every single weekend at a single location. I then stepped out for three years while going through my cancer treatment and forum members Bill Slingland and Chris Moore took over. Under their leadership of Bill Slingland, the forum was restructured to meet twice a month at two unique locations and 1.5 PDUs was awarded for attendance. I have been back leading this forum for four years. The Career Development Forum has been serving chapter members for eleven years.

This is a grass roots group. We are for our people, by our people. We operate applying the 21st Century Leadership model, shared leadership. Our forum members are what makes this group successful. We flex and mold to fulfill the needs of our current membership. Bill Slingland, David Knowles, Eric Herberholz, and Kent Shepherd are four of our key members who make things happen and keep our lives exciting. But, honestly, the intention behind the way our forum operates is such that each person who attends a meeting leave behind a positive footprint that benefits those who come along behind them.

PMI-SVC:  What do you enjoy about being a volunteer and a forum lead?
Rose:   I enjoy having a vision and bringing it to reality. I enjoy seeing others be successful and supporting them in any way I can. I've enjoyed all the people I have meet through volunteering, the friendships and mentoring I have both given and received. I've enjoyed finding out exactly how things work behind the surface. Volunteering has been key to growing my skill-set and developing my own leadership style.

PMI-SVC:  What do you like to do in your spare time?
Rose:   In my spare time I play the piano and study the guitar. I practice my Spanish. I enjoy writing and am working on my book. I also enjoy cooking. I also volunteer at the Children's Receiving Home and a few other local community oriented places. I fund raise for Alzheimer’s.

This quarter we have chosen the POY team as the " Volunteers of the Quarter".  Congratulations to the team for a job well done!!

Moataz Hussein, MSc, B.Eng, OPM3, PgMP, PMP, PMI-RMP, IPMA-C, AVS

Chair, Project of the Year Committee

Moataz is a Senior Manager at Delegata Corporation. He has over 12 years of expereince in large-scale project portfolio management, strategy and organizational transformation. Moataz holds a BSc degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering and a Master’s in Project Management from George Washington University.

Romy M. Haddad, MBA

Marketing Lead, Project of the Year Committee

Romy has 15 years of experience across many industries, including software, real estate, education, and contracting. She is currently the Marketing Manager at Delegata Corporation and the mother of two boys.

Meena D. Kumar, PMP

Judge Liaison, Project of the Year Committee

Meena has over 10 years of experience as a project manager for the State of California. She has been a volunteer for the Chapter, helping on Professional Development Day activities, and is a member of the Project of the Year Committee on the marketing team and also served as the 2017 POY judge liaison.”

G. Scott Penfield, PMP, CSM, BS

Advisor to the Project of the Year Committee

Scott earned his BS in Computer Science from CSUS and is an Eagle Scout. He has over 20 years of PM experience and joined Dignity Health over two years ago. Scott was the former POY chair and has volunteered for seven consecutive years with the committee; he currently serves as an advisor to the new team.

Charles Shaefer, PMP

Chief Strategy Officer of PMI-SVC

Charles is a Project Manager with the State of California. He has 30 years of experience working in technology and managing projects for Federal and State government. He serves as Chief Strategy Officer on the PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter’s Board of Directors.

John Soltesz, PMP

Executive Vice President/Chief Operations Officer of PMI-SVC

John has been a project manager since 1980 and earned his PMP in 2001. Now retired, he continues with volunteer work including serving as the Executive Vice President/Chief Operations Officer of PMI-SVC.

Our Volunteer of the Quarter.

Sarah Vinson : PMI-SVC Dinner Meeting Lead

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts and achievements as the 2017 Dinner Meetings Lead.
   
Sarah is currently a Project Manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

PMI-SVC : How many years are you volunteering for PMI-SVC?  
Sarah: Just shy of three years.

PMI-SVC : How many years with the Dinner Meeting team.? 
Sarah: Again almost three years.  My first volunteer role was helping with check-in at the dinner meetings and my responsibilities evolved from there..

PMI-SVC: What do you like to do in your spare time?  
Sarah:  Anything crafty or DIY including card-making, painting, and home improvement projects.  I also enjoy spending some time in the gym and on the tennis court.  Last but not least, I love relaxing with my family, friends and poodle-mix, Dawson.

Thank you Sarah Vinson for a volunteer job well done!!

Our Volunteer of the Quarter - Jan 2018 - March 2018

Michael Hanson : PMI-SVC Website Administrator

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts and achievements as the Chapter Website Administrator..
   
Michael is currently a Project Manager at CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer.

PMI-SVC: How did you get involved with PMI-SVC?
I moved to Sacramento 6 years ago this February.  When I renewed my PMI membership in January, I included PMI-SVC and PMI-SFBAC as the local chapters.  (I had belonged to the PMI-SFBAC chapter a number of years and volunteered for a couple of years.)  Around 5 years ago, I started to attend the PMI meetings (when I needed to earn a few PDUs) :).  There I met Jim Kline ( Former VP Member Relations).  Within a few months, I had asked Jim what roles were available for volunteering.  He asked if I would be interesting in supporting the website.  Shortly after, I was helping with the website.

PMI-SVC : How many years are you volunteering for PMI-SVC?  
Michael: Six years with PMI-SVC and three years volunteering for the chapter.

PMI-SVC : How many years with PMI-SVC as a website administrator.? 
Michael: Again almost three years.  

PMI-SVC: What do you like to do in your spare time?  
Michael:There is not much spare time today as we have a lot of activities going in every direction. I help three groups in my “copious” spare time: PMI-SVC, Arcade Creek Recreation and Park district (one of the directors), and the Carmichael Elks (one of the officers).

Thank you Michael Hanson for a volunteer job well done!!

Linn Hom : Project Manager, PMI-SVC Election Committee The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter thanks and recognizes you for your outstanding efforts and achievements as the 2017 Elections Project Manager. Linn is currently a Project Manager with California Department of Health Care Services

PMI-SVC : How many years are you volunteering for PMI-SVC?  
Linn: Over 15 years (in a variety of volunteer positions including Secretary (2008) which is now VP of Administration).

PMI-SVC : How many years with the elections team.? 
Linn: Eight years on and off as Project Manager and committee member.

PMI-SVC: What do you like to do in your spare time?  
Linn: Sewing, crafting and all things Harry Potter (watching the movies back-to-back and re-reading the books) and a bit of retail therapy squeezed in.  When I am not doing that, I  am visiting with family and friends in the Bay Area.

Thank you Linn Hom!!