January 2012 President's Letter

Happy New Year!
First, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your 2012 PMI Central Virginia Chapter President. I feel this is going to be an exciting year for us all.

2011 Reflection
Looking back on 2011, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the 2011 President, Board of Directors, Committee Members, Volunteers and Members for all of your hard work and achievements. There were many wonderful events and educational opportunities that were successful in 2011 because of you. By far, the most significant milestone in the Central Virginia Chapter was our 15-year Anniversary Celebration. The achievement of lasting 15 years alone attests to the worth, drive, and purpose the chapter offers to the community. Achieving such a milestone is also a strong indicator to the dedication and support the members provide to the Central Virginia chapter.

Looking Forward Into 2012
With the support of the Board of Directors and our membership, we will be focusing on augmenting our education programs and encouraging member volunteerism within the Chapter while enhancing our technological presence on the super-highway.

Technology

• Social Media – The social media world (Twitter, Google+, and Facebook) has taken communication by storm. It is time for the Central Virginia Chapter to step up to the plate and increase our presence on these sites. This will also keep members informed of events, calendar updates, key information, and volunteer opportunities.
• Website Revision – We will begin a review of our website to ensure we are offering you up-to-date and useful information to keep you informed at all times.

Education

• Continue offering several certification workshops throughout the year – providing you a low cost option for obtaining your certification or maintaining your PDUs.
• Increase the Professional development opportunities – providing more options for you to continue your growth in the project management profession.
• PMI Education Foundation – increasing your knowledge of the Foundation to learn about educational openings available to our membership and our community.

Local Community Partnerships

• Work on partnerships with local organizations like FLiPM (Future Leaders in Project Management) to increase our visibility in the community, while also providing more volunteer opportunities to our members.

Volunteerism

• Offer opportunities to grow and learn in a professional environment.
• Networking – a chance to meet and develop relationships professionally and personally with great people.
• Provide volunteer’s access to PMILearn – This prospect provides access to numerous training opportunities for our volunteers from PMI.
  • Did you know by volunteering in our chapter you can acquire much needed PDUs, while learning new skills and supporting the chapter?

How Can You Help?
Regardless of how much or little time you have, there is a place for you to help in the chapter. My goal is to make sure you know when, where and how you are needed. As PM professionals and chapter members, I encourage you to find a way to schedule the Central Virginia Chapter into your busy life and volunteering is a great first step – the rewards are endless. I challenge each of you to volunteer at least once in 2012.

To find out what opportunities are available, please go to www.pmicvc.org for information on our current volunteer needs. To volunteer for an event or committee, please email VP of Volunteerism, at: vp.volunteerism@pmicvc.org. Thanks in advance for taking the initiative to volunteer and accepting my challenge.

I would like to send a special thank you to all of the volunteers that have consistently assisted the chapter. Without your efforts we would not be as successful as we are!

Your 2012 Board of Directors

Purpose and Policy
My purpose is to create a positive synergy within the chapter and community by keeping an open-door policy to collect your ideas, listen to your thoughts and better understand your concerns, which will strengthen the Central Virginia Chapter. I look forward to hearing from you and encourage you to contact me at: president@pmicvc.org with any thoughts or suggestions you may have.

Conclusion
The opportunities are abundant for all of us. As we set personal and professional goals and milestones this year, please remember to include getting involved with the Central Virginia Chapter. There is a lot of work in front of us, but I am highly optimistic with your help we can accomplish each and every one of our goals and close-out 2012 successfully leaving a positive legacy in the chapter and in the community for the coming years.

Warm Regards,
Kelly Evans
President 2012
PMI Central Virginia Chapter