Hello PMI Buffalo,

I hope everyone has enjoyed a strong start to the new year. We kicked things off in January with our first event of 2026, and I truly appreciate everyone who made it out despite the challenging weather. A special thank you to Pauline for walking us through PMI’s new MORE framework during that session.

Our next event is coming up on February 26, and we are excited to welcome Chauntisse Poindexter, who will be sharing her expertise in Agile. In this session, Chauntisse will break down why many organizations struggle to achieve true adaptability. Drawing from her real world experience, she will illustrate how agility is fundamentally a systems discipline focused on flow, decision latency, and reducing variability rather than simply a set of ceremonies or tools. She will also highlight the role of women in agility, sharing her experiences as a leader and how those perspectives have contributed to successful outcomes.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new members. Our Membership team has been conducting new member orientations, and if you have not attended one yet, I highly recommend it. These sessions are a great way to learn more about PMI Buffalo, connect with fellow members, and discover ways to get involved. Our next orientation will be held virtually on April 10.

We are also excited to bring back some familiar initiatives, including Project of the Year. We want to hear from our members, and more information on this will be coming out soon.

Additionally, we would greatly value your feedback on our website. We rolled out a new website last year with the goal of improving your experience and making information easier to access. We hope you are finding it simpler to view upcoming events, learn more about our chapter, get support with earning certifications, and explore volunteer opportunities through our VEP system. If you have suggestions or ideas for improvement, please share them with us. Your input helps us continue to evolve and better serve our membership.

Thank you for being part of PMI Buffalo. I look forward to seeing many of you at our February event and throughout the year ahead.

Warm regards,
Vince McKeown, PMP
President, PMI Buffalo

As we begin a new year together, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what an important year 2025 was for PMI Buffalo and to share my excitement for the momentum we are carrying into 2026.

One of our most meaningful milestones in 2025 was celebrating 30 years as a PMI chapter—a remarkable achievement made possible by decades of dedicated volunteers and engaged members. Commemorating this milestone with a chapter picnic gave us an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our history, and recognize the strong community that continues to define PMI Buffalo.

As we close out the year, I’d like to acknowledge Matt Mangas, Vice President of Outreach, and Melissa Sze, Vice President of Finance, as they conclude their board service. Thank you both for the time and effort you contributed to PMI Buffalo during your terms.

I’m pleased to welcome new leaders to our board for 2026. Please join me in welcoming Inderjeet Singh as Vice President of Outreach and Angelica Delaney as Vice President of Finance. I look forward to working with both of you as we continue to build upon the foundation of our chapter.

I would also like to thank our 2025 Board of Directors for their commitment and service:

• Pauline McKeown, Vice President of Professional Certification
• Jay VanMarter, Vice President of Membership
• Katie Dieter, Vice President of Professional Development
• Rupali Sood, Vice President of Communications
• Brenda Czyz, Vice President of Technology and Business Services

Your dedication and time helped keep PMI Buffalo moving forward throughout the year.

A special thank you goes to Dan Augustynek, who supported and advised me over the past year as Past President. His guidance has been invaluable, and I am grateful for his continued service as he transitions into the role of Trustee.

Looking ahead, 2026 will be a year of growth for PMI Buffalo, focused on expanding what we’ve already accomplished and delivering even more value to our members. We are starting the year with a strong plan that includes monthly themes, additional events, and more opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development.

We value your input and feedback and are always looking for ways to improve the member experience. A key focus this year will be learning events, and we would love to hear from our local project management community. If you are interested in speaking at a PMI Buffalo event, please reach out. Our full-year event plan will be posted on our website, and we welcome member participation in shaping and delivering these sessions.

To kick off the year, we already have some great events planned:

• January 22 – PMP Study Group
  A great opportunity for those pursuing certification to connect, learn, and prepare together.
• January 29 – Project Management Reframed: The MORE Mindset
  A thought-provoking session focused on expanding how we approach project leadership and success.

I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities and stay engaged throughout the year.

Thank you for being part of PMI Buffalo. I look forward to working together as we continue to grow, learn, and strengthen our chapter in 2026.

Warm regards,
Vince McKeown, PMP
President, PMI Buffalo

As we wrap up another month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work happening across our chapter. PMI Buffalo continues to impress me with the energy, dedication, and engagement of our members.

If you follow us on LinkedIn, you may have seen highlights from our Professional Development Day (PDD). We were fortunate to feature two exceptional local speakers, Jeff Manhardt and Nirmayee “Nemo” Dighe, who shared practical and inspiring insights on the evolving world of AI. Nemo challenged us to “keep the human in the loop,” reminding us that AI isn’t here to replace us, but rather, those who understand it will shape the future. Jeff, as always, pushed our thinking even further by showing how AI can elevate our approach to project management. Each time he speaks, I feel like I’ve advanced a level in my AI learning journey.

We were also thrilled to welcome Spencer Horn, who delivered a powerful session on leaning into your strengths while embracing the areas where growth is needed. His perspective resonated deeply with many of us.

Another highlight was our Recruiter Panel, led by Pauline McKeown, and featuring insights from Mike Mommertz (Light House), Brooke DeLucia (ComputerPeople Staffing), and Hunter Johnson and Shannon Randall (TekSystems). Thank you to Katie Dieter for coordinating this valuable PDD.

I also want to address a message I often hear from prospective members: “I’ll join once I get my PMP.” Did you know that PMI Buffalo provides resources to help you earn your certification?

Our PMP Study Group, led by Pauline McKeown and Vishal Singh, meets every other Thursday and offers guided support through the exam material. In addition, as chapter members, we receive exclusive discounts on pmtraining bootcamps.

And don’t forget, your PMI Buffalo membership includes access to free courses through ProjectBites, perfect for maintaining your certification and staying sharp. Visit our website for full details and links to all member benefits.

Speaking of new members, we’re excited to continue offering our New Member Orientation Sessions, hosted by Jay VanMarter, Swati Sonkawade, and Emily Melski. These sessions help new and returning members understand the chapter’s structure, programs, and opportunities to get involved. If you haven’t attended one yet, we’d love to see you at the next session.

A huge congratulations to Jasmine Dillon, our Volunteer of the Quarter! Jasmine is the creative force behind many of the photos you see from our events and a key contributor to our social media presence. She consistently steps in wherever needed and brings a positive spirit to everything she does. Jasmine, thank you, you are truly appreciated.

Be sure to check our website for the latest updates. A few highlights include:

• Annual Meeting of Membership – December 11
  We will review and vote on our updated ByLaws, share a year-in-review, and preview plans for an exciting 2026. The proposed ByLaws are available on our website.
• Ongoing PMP Study Group
  Continue your certification journey with us every other Thursday evening.

We encourage you to participate, stay connected, and take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow with your fellow professionals.

As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude for each of you. Serving as your chapter president has been a rewarding experience, and I’m thankful for your support, your involvement, and the passion you bring to PMI Buffalo. I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish together.

Wishing you and your families a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,
Vince McKeown
President, PMI Buffalo Chapter

I am delighted to share several important updates from our chapter as we continue to grow, connect, and elevate our community of project management professionals.

Please join me in congratulating Jasmine Dillon, our Volunteer of the Quarter. Jasmine has demonstrated exceptional commitment through her leadership of our social media outreach. Her creativity and consistency have strengthened our online presence and engagement, helping us share our story and connect more meaningfully with members and partners.

I am also proud to announce that Pauline McKeown will represent our chapter as a featured speaker at PMI’s North America Leadership Institute Meeting. This recognition reflects not only Pauline’s excellence as a leader but also the reputation our chapter continues to build within the broader PMI community.

Our new initiatives are off to a strong start. The PMP Study Group has launched and meets every two weeks, providing collaboration, accountability, and peer support for those pursuing certification. New Member Orientation sessions have also been a success—welcoming new members and connecting them to volunteer and professional growth opportunities.

Looking ahead, our Professional Development Day (PDD) will take place on November 18. This event will feature inspiring speakers, engaging sessions, and direct networking with recruiters. It’s one of my favorite events each year because of the energy, knowledge, and connections it brings.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. PMI Buffalo thrives because of members like you who invest time, energy, and passion into advancing our profession.

Vince McKeown
President, PMI Buffalo Chapter

Dear PMI Buffalo Members,

I’m excited to share a few important updates with you this month.

Upcoming Professional Development Day (PDD)
Our next PDD will be held on November 18th. This is always one of our premier events, and we look forward to bringing valuable learning, networking, and professional growth opportunities to our members and community. Please be sure to save the date—you won’t want to miss it!

Celebrating 30 Years of PMI Buffalo
This year marks a very special milestone, our 30th Anniversary as a chapter. We celebrated this occasion at Chestnut Ridge, and it was a wonderful time catching up with familiar faces and welcoming new members. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sheila Schostick, Daniel Culross, BethAnn Kibby, Rosa Delaney, and Pauline McKeown for all of their hard work and dedication in preparing for this event. Your effort meant a great deal to me and helped make the celebration truly memorable.

Looking Ahead to 2026
I also want to thank our board for their thoughtful work during our 2026 Planning Session. We are always looking for ways to improve and grow as a chapter, and your input as members is vital to that process. If you have suggestions, ideas, or feedback, we would love to hear from you.

Get Involved – Volunteer Opportunities
If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved with PMI Buffalo, we have many opportunities to contribute. Even if you only have a few hours here and there, we can match you with volunteer roles that fit your availability. Volunteering is a great way to make connections, strengthen our chapter, and give back to the project management community.  Reach out to director_volunteers@pmibuffalo.org.

Thank you for being a part of PMI Buffalo. Together, we continue to make our chapter strong, supportive, and forward-thinking.

Vince McKeown
President, PMI Buffalo Chapter

Hello PMI Buffalo Members,

August is here, and with it comes exciting updates and celebrations for our chapter!

First, please join me in congratulating our incoming board members:

• VP, Finance – Rosa Delaney

• VP, Membership – Jay VanMarter

• VP, Outreach – Inderjeet Singh

• Trustee – Dan Augustynek

These leaders bring incredible experience, energy, and passion to their new roles, and I’m confident they will help shape an even brighter future for our chapter. Thank you for stepping up to serve!

Dear PMI Buffalo Members,

As we move through the summer months, the energy and momentum within our PMI Buffalo community continue to grow, and I’m inspired by the connections and progress we’re making together.

This month, I want to start by highlighting something critical to the future of our chapter: elections are happening now. Your vote truly counts. It’s your voice in shaping the leadership and direction of PMI Buffalo. I encourage every member to take a moment and participate. We are a volunteer-led organization, and your involvement helps us stay strong, representative, and ready for the future.

Looking ahead, one of our biggest celebrations of the year is right around the corner. Our 30th Anniversary Picnic is coming up on September 13, and it’s going to be a fantastic, family-friendly event. We’ll have lawn games, face painting, hair glitter, and a chance to relive the ’90s—so bring your best throwback outfits and music! Most importantly, it’s a chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate three decades of project excellence. You can find all the details and RSVP now on our new website.

Dear PMI Buffalo Members,

As we move into the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the energy and community we’re building together.

Earlier this month, we gathered at Buffalo Riverworks for an evening of networking, socializing, and simple connection. It was more than just an event, it was a reminder of the strength of our local PMI community. I had the chance to meet new members, reconnect with familiar faces, and hear stories that reminded me why our chapter is so special. Thank you to everyone who came out and made the night meaningful.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting milestones on the horizon. Our 30th Anniversary Picnic is coming up on September 13, and it promises to be a celebration worthy of three decades of project excellence. This fun, family-friendly event will feature lawn games, hair glitter, face painting, and plenty of opportunities to reminisce. We encourage everyone to come out and share your favorite chapter stories over the years. It’s hard to believe that 30 years takes us back to the ’90s, and that’s part of our theme! So bring your best ’90s music, wear your favorite ’90s outfit, and join in the celebration.  For me, I reflect on “Smells like Teen Spirit,” but I would love hear your favorite song from that time.

Dear PMI Buffalo Members,

We recently held our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Gala, and it was nothing short of amazing. It was a wonderful evening to reflect on our collective accomplishments and recognize the incredible people who bring our chapter to life.

Each of our Vice Presidents shared the milestones from their respective areas, highlighting the dedication and teamwork that fuel our success. The atmosphere was warm and energizing—and I left feeling truly inspired after our guest speaker’s presentation.

It was also a joy to connect with so many of you in person, including some of our newest members. These kinds of events remind us that PMI Buffalo is more than just a professional organization, it’s a supportive community.

Dear PMI Buffalo Members,

Continuing the momentum from our first quarter, I want to thank everyone who joined us for our recent virtual events. The energy and engagement were fantastic, and we have more great things on the horizon.

I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for all the volunteers who have stepped forward in recent weeks. Whether you’re helping to plan events, organize our upcoming 30th Anniversary Picnic, or supporting the day-to-day operations of our chapter, your contributions are vital to our success. PMI Buffalo thrives because of your passion and commitment.