Message from the President

“The true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own.  Great leaders truly care about those they are privileged to lead and understand the cost of the leadership privilege comes at the expense of self-interest,” affirms author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek. Like Sinek explains, we as project managers, change leaders, coaches or whatever title we are given, are here to help our team members be the best version of themselves.  It is never about us but always about the people we serve and support. This is what “Servant Leadership” truly means to me.

This is especially true given the times that we are currently in.  Our project teams and family members are all being impacted by COVID-19, and we as leaders need to remain strong and positive during these difficult times. It’s important to stand united as a community right now. Now is the time to think outside the box and figure out how we can connect and collaborate virtually. I encourage you to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for additional information on COVID-19.

You have probably seen the communications sent out over the past week with information on how PMI-MN is addressing COVID-19. I have been collaborating with other Region 2 Chapter Presidents to ensure we are still providing opportunities for our members.  That being said, after thorough consideration PMI-MN is assessing all in-person events for the next 8 weeks.

PMI-MN Events Impacted:

• Annual Chapter Business Meeting (postponed)
• Connect and Learn Event (cancelled)
• Project Management Skills For Life - Basics Seminar (cancelled)
• Chapter Breakfast: Winning with Benefits Management (virtual)
• New Member Meeting and Volunteer Fair (postponed)
• Outreach Bismarck/Mandan April Lunch Event (virtual)
• Career Fair (cancelled)

We are evaluating events on a case-by-case basis. Due to the situation evolving day-to-day, we may make further adjustments to our 2020 scheduled events, and we will continue to provide you with regular updates. Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our members and appreciate your patience.

PMI Global has also announced that they will be delaying the PMP exam changes planned for July 2020, to January 2^nd, 2021.  Please visit the PMP Exam Changes link for more information.  The PMI MN Chapter is reviewing and discussing next steps related to the PMP exam preparation classes that we offer.

While our members’ health and well-being is our first priority, the PMI-MN Board, Committees and volunteers are focused on delivering what is important for members. We continue to move forward with many of our exciting transformation activities. The Operations Committee been busy gearing up for the reveal of our new Chapter logo and rebrand. We hope to have it ready and unveiled virtually by the end of March. The new logo will express our distinctiveness as an organization in addition to symbolizing collaboration and determination. Although collectively we share the PMI mission, we will continue to have our own chapter individuality. Get ready to be wowed!

We also have some exciting news to share about a new Chapter registration system, iMIS, that will go live Friday, March 20. The new registration system will be more efficient, allow members to register for multiple events at once and save members time when registering for a PMI-MN event. Thank you for the feedback that helped make this change happen. Please look for more communications and updates coming out about iMIS soon, including an email with directions on how to set up your login the first time you use the system.

The leadership in our chapter continues to thrive in 2020 by partnering with PMI Global and each other—our members and volunteers. Together, we carry our community to prosperity and continued innovation.

Sincerely,

Sara Swanson, PMP^®, PMI-ACP^®, CSM^®

PMI-MN President, CEO