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Dear PMI Phoenix Chapter Members, 

Thank you for your support during the last elections process. I am excited and honored to be your incoming Board Chair. It is a daunting task to get up to speed, but I have an incredible group of Board Directors and volunteers to support me as I take on leading the Chapter over the next two years. I want to especially thank Shane Cretacci, our immediate outgoing Board Chair, and Cory Smith, our outgoing Past-Board Chair: both have been incredible mentors and are helping me during this transition. Please help me thank them whenever you see them in meetings or events.  

Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond is exciting! The board, along with 11 Chapter volunteers, attended the 2022 PMI Global Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada Nov. 30 – Dec. 3. I believe I speak for the whole group when I say we came away energized! Great information from such a variety of presentations from people and Chapters from around the world, as well as access to vendor product demonstrations and networking to meet new colleagues and reconnect with old ones. 

Following this Summit, we developed a list of Chapter priorities and are working on our 2023 Chapter Objectives. Among our priorities is to pay special attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) – so much so, we have identified a Chapter DEI Champion to make sure we are executing our Chapter responsibilities within a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reflecting this already is the diversity of our 2023 board: we have a wide range of backgrounds, ages, cultures, and genders represented. I am also personally asking you to help us in this effort by letting us know if you do not see yourself represented or feel your voice or perspective is heard. It takes all of is to truly build a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Other priorities we have identified include maximizing partnerships across the State with academic, corporate, non-profit, and other business organizations. These collaborations are key to growing our PMI network and helping others learn and grow their project management skills. Finally, we want to continue to offer the great events and educational opportunities that you all value: whether it is through expanding our social good efforts with non-profit organizations, continuing to offer our highly effective PMP certification study groups, or growing our mentoring program, I know your incoming board is energized and excited to take on the challenges and support this great organization. 

And of course, we want to continue to inform and educate about PMI offerings and new products, so we can help you stay abreast of changes in approaches, emphasis, tools, and credentials. We collaborate closely with PMI and align our objectives to support their stated objectives of: Broadening our Reach by sharing our knowledge, deepening our Impact by empowering people to make their ideas a reality, and Nurturing Lasting Relationships with others who share our aspirations. 

Before I close, I want to mention what great opportunities we have for you to volunteer to learn new skills and enhance your project management skills in a safe, welcoming environment. This Chapter is run by volunteers, and you can contribute while also gaining PDUs and resume-building experiences. Click here to volunteer! 

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

Stephanie Hanko 

2023 PMI Phoenix Chapter Board Chair