The PMI Atlanta Chapter Nominations Committee is proud to present the following candidates to the membership. Each PMI Atlanta Chapter member will receive an email with a unique link to cast your vote.
Voting in the Chapter Elections will commence on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Meet the Candidates
Chair-Elect Candidates
Jeremy T. Busby
Jeremy was born in Bessemer, Alabama, receiving his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB). He moved to Atlanta upon graduation in 2002 and began working for the Georgia Department of Transportation as a roadway design engineer. In 2003, Jeremy was awarded his professional engineering license and continued his education at Georgia State University. He received his Master of Business Administration in 2007, specializing in organizational management. Jeremy worked at GDOT continuously through 2002 through 2014. At GDOT, Jeremy’s talents were identified as in project management. He was invited to be a founding project manager in GDOT’s Office of Program Delivery, in 2012. The Office of Program Delivery was formed to better lead GDOT in project management best practices and delivering transportation projects on time. Jeremy managed projects are large as $150 million dollars, including the removal of the toll lanes on GA400. In 2014, Jeremy joined Gresham Smith, a consultancy firm in the AEC space. Jeremy leads Gresham Smith’s program management efforts firmwide in transportation, aviation, water, industrial, and vertical architecture markets. At Gresham Smith, Jeremy also leads the Midtown Atlanta office where he strives to spearhead a diverse workplace, focused on belonging, growth, and successful strategic outcomes. Jeremy also leads a team of approximately 40 project managers, program managers, project controls specialists, and others in program and project management best practices. He is a recognized leader in these fields, engaging in speaking opportunities nationwide.
Volunteer Experience:
Jeremy focuses his volunteerism in three important ways: 1) he looks to evolve the professional environment of the AEC industry, 2) he supports efforts to create a thriving, inclusive workplace for his teammates and direct reports, and 3) mentorship. Jeremy is passionate about recruiting diverse, non-traditional candidates to the consultancy services, project management, and transportation engineering community. These professions are struggling to recruit talent from traditional universities. Jeremy works in a variety of ways to ensure the industry, a critical one to Atlanta’s thriving economy, adapts to changes in technology and workforce expectations. Jeremy leads several efforts:
- To help combat this Jeremy volunteers twice a year at ACEC’s STEM Day and ACEC’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. He is a leader of these events, volunteering to set-up, advertise, counsel parents, and organize.
- To reach underserved communities, Jeremy has volunteers on the corporate advisory council for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). AISES is the premier STEM organization for indigenous people in the United States and Canada. Jeremy joins AISES as an ally to promote career opportunities in this community. He’s hosted events in Tennessee and Georgia, and worked with the organization in California, Texas, and Canada.
- Jeremy volunteers at Atlanta Technical College to establish and freshen curriculum in a rapidly changing operating environment in the AEC industry. Jeremy, who’s father was educated in technical schools as a welder, is passionate about providing opportunities to that talented and earnest student group in the AEC industry. He hopes to use this curriculum with Atlanta Technical College as a pilot program that can be shared with other technical schools in Georgia and the Southeast.
Jeremy supports his workplace with any organizations and volunteer events throughout the calendar year. These include the National Society of Black Engineers, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, Women’s Transportation Seminar. He volunteers by arranging fundraises for a variety of non-profits: Status:Home, The Drake House, Helping Mamas, Ghana Reads, United Way, and the Trevor Project. He’s marched in Pride Parades in Tennessee and Georgia.
Jeremy is passionate about mentorship. He serves as a mentor at his firm, Gresham Smith, and with ACEC (the American Council of Engineering Consultants). He loves the mutual exchange of benefit that mentors and mentees share as they look to achieve specific goals.
Overall, Jeremy devotes his time to many causes, organizations, and opportunities to support his community. Jeremy is driven to do this, because he believes that to whom much is given much is required. The AEC industry has given him a great career, and he looks to give back by helping the industry evolve. He’s not waiting for the world to change but strives to be an active catalyst in change. Jeremy’s career was buttressed by amazing mentors, and he looks to be a mentor to a new generation of emerging leaders.
Vision Statement:
PMI Atlanta is the leading, most passionate voice in equipping project managers to face the challenges inside operating environments in which projects must be successful. The chapter is comprised of leaders and experts that are grounded in knowledge. Knowledge means credibility, and when credibility is combined with passion, leaders can emerge to direct transformation. Project Management and the ancillary disciplines around it must transform to meet the challenges of today. Challenge comes fast and furiously, as the workforce changes and technology advances. The world needs prepared, expert project managers more than ever, and Jeremy wants PMI Atlanta to be the catalyst for that transformation. Using the educational foundation and resources of PMI, Jeremy would leverage that knowledge to inspire passion and propel project management forward: preparing project managers for leadership in a world of A.I., complexity, inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity. Jeremy’s vision statement for PMI Atlanta: Harnessing passion and expertise, to transform project management in Atlanta and the world. Atlanta is the gateway to the world, what we do here matters everywhere.
Joseph Sisto, PMP, PMI-ACP
Joe's entire career has been in project management. He has been a continuous member of PMI for 26 years, and hold a PMP- thrice renewed, and a PMI-ACP. Joe is currently the Director of PMO for Driven Brands. He has resided in the Georgia area now for over 30 years.
Joe has a degrees in both Management and Psychology and have been active in the last several PMI Global Congresses.
Volunteer Experience:
I have been the AVP of Membership for 1 year at PMI Atlanta, when I took the position of VP of Engagement. Since my tenure as AVP of Membership, I have expanded our role in supporting the candidacy process, expanding our role with universities- with both Georgia Tech and UNG scholarship programs, and expanding our partnership with support of the now annual picnic.
I have championed improved processes for new members, as well as revised the onboarding processes and we now have over 30 new people attending new membership orientations every month.
Membership has expanded this year with over 800 new members to over 5,400 members. In addition, our new recommended venue has drawn sell-out crowds, thanks to our special project lead. We have retained all of our AVPs this year for the last 3 years, and added a new AVP of New Membership- Allison Gartner.
Beyond my role in Engagement, I have supported the Forum Groups. I have spoken in front of several forum groups in assisting our forum teams over 6 times in the last 4 years.
Vision Statement:
I have a vision of expanding our engagement to those who cannot making our meetings in person- to all of North. I see this fulfilled with technology and partnership to bring our meetings that are live to the internet. My vision also includes improving and expanding our in-person venues to larger, and more variety of spaces that attract people from all areas of the City and Suburbs of Atlanta.
In addition to membership and engagement, I see expanding our university partnership coverage to a new university with more students and opportunities for more coverage and events.
For the chapter, I would like to see us become a model organization for training and career support with more programs to assist new project managers and more in house mentoring and training opportunities- for example agile training and mentoring for late career and new career (new entries) people.
I see our chapter growing in both size, and engagement. What I see staying the same, is our commitment to Servant Leadership and partnership with our community.
Secretary Candidates
Anthony Sherard, PMP
Anthony Sherard is a retired Air Force Veteran with 21 years of experience working in civil engineer organizations as a Heating, Ventilation, Air Condition and Refrigeration Supervisor. During this time, he earned a master’s degree from Wayland Baptist University, where his studies focused on Organizational Management. Before Wayland Baptist University, he attended Park University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology. Additionally, while working for Air Force Air Combat Command Inspector General he won the 2021 Volunteer of the Year and a Project Management Professional Certification in 2023.
In the summer of 2023, Anthony moved to the Atlanta Metropolitan area where he became the project manager of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. As project manager of the Fox Theatre, he oversees vendor management and a $2.8M capital expenditure project budget. Annually, he balances 25 projects between 175 private events and 200 performances. Finally, Anthony is an active volunteer on the Fox Theatre’s Developmental and Safety Committees.
Volunteer Experience:
Throughout Anthony’s 25 years in the work force he has always set aside time to give back to his workplace and community. While serving 21 years in the military, Anthony has donated his time to various organizations and charities. In Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, he contributed to the island’s first-ever Marrow Donor Program registration drive. This program was able to register 230 potential lifesavers to the Department of Defense bone marrow registry. During the holidays, he took part in the Angel Tree program. In this program, he helped prepare 300 gift bags which boosted base and community relations in Clovis, New Mexico. Additionally, while working for the Air Combat Command Inspector General in Hampton, Virginia, he won the 2021 Volunteer of the Year. Throughout 2021, he volunteered 100-hours coaching youth sports and assisting a local outreach program delivered 10,000 pounds of food to 376 families and 2000 military members.
At the Fox Theatre, in Atlanta GA, Anthony has quickly become an active contributor to the team. At the Revival Charity Live Auction this past March, he volunteered 2 hours as a spotter and set-up team member. This charity event raised over $9,000 for the Fox in a Box program. This program promotes the preservation of historic theatres across Georgia and the Southeast. Additionally, Anthony took the initiative and joined both the Development and Safety Committees. In volunteering for the Development Committee, he took part in developing a management training platform which focused on providing mentors for newly hired employees. Next, he donated time to the Safety committee. Where he ensured that all safety incidents were reported and analyzed to develop future safety strategies. While being a spirited participant of the Safety committee, he spearheaded a quality-of-life safety survey. This survey was distributed to senior management and highlighted the impact of the current risk detection/risk management procedures in place.
Finally, in his short time as a member of PMI Atlanta, he jumped at the chance to volunteer as a registration and event set up team member for the 2024 Annual Chapter Picnic.
Vision Statement:
To provide transparent, reliable, and on-time communication to our members, community, and future potential members.
Ulrica Andujar, MPH, PMP
Ulrica Andujar, MPH, PMP, is a dynamic leader with experience that spans 20 years across a range of programmatic roles from program advisor, project officer, to senior program manager. Her experience includes roles at the local and federal government level, as well as in the private and nonprofit sectors. Throughout her career, Ulrica has been fortunate to work at the cross section of public health and information systems. Her work on health information technology projects and initiatives has included immunization information systems, vaccine ordering systems, and emergency preparedness systems. Information technology is a critical component of public health and Ulrica believes embracing emerging technologies will be important to the advancement of public health practice into the future.
Volunteer Experience:
My volunteer experience has included serving as a greeter in the children’s ministry at my church for eight years. Besides having the opportunity to serve parents and their children, I learned many lessons that carried into my personal and professional life, along with developing lasting relationships with the people I served alongside. I also had the honor of volunteering and serving as a reviewer on my employer organization’s awards and recognition team by conducting monthly reviews of submissions to the awards program for organization-wide recognition and receipt of rewards. Recommendations I provided were compiled with other review team feedback to determine a range of monthly award winners. This was an impactful service opportunity because I was able to see the depth of excellence across my organization. I was also able to translate my experience serving on the awards review team to improve my skills in conducting performance evaluations for the team members that I managed on my projects. I volunteered in this role for one year. Additionally, I am a member of several employee resource groups within my employer organization. Although I have not previously volunteered with the PMI Atlanta Chapter, I was excited for the opportunity to get involved after attending the 2023 PMI Global Summit. This was the first PMI Global Summit I attended, and it was electrifying. I tried to respond to a request to volunteer at the 2023 PMI Global Summit but I believe I may have missed the deadline.
Vision Statement:
Maintaining a comprehensive document repository that supports communications, compliance, and archiving of Chapter business and affairs in service to Chapter members, and in support of the Board.
Director-at-Large Candidates
Konstantin Derenstein, PMP
Konstantin Derenstein is a Director at Avanade with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation and strategic value for clients. He specializes in cloud migrations, complex project delivery, and translating strategy into operational objectives. Key skills include:
- Enterprise Architecture
- Cloud Migration and Modernization
- Cybersecurity
Konstantin excels at simplifying technical complexities and managing project intricacies to achieve business outcomes. He is a dynamic leader experienced in fostering cross-functional collaboration, developing high-performing teams, and engaging with executives to provide strategic clarity.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Konstantin actively gives back to the community through volunteering. He holds an MBA and a B.S. in Computer Science. His commitment to continuous learning is exemplified through numerous industry certifications, including ISC(2) CISSP and multiple Microsoft Azure certifications.
Volunteer Experience:
As Vice President of Technology at PMI Atlanta, I've embodied a servant leader mindset, driving strategic initiatives that ushered in technology modernization. With a project management and tech background, I've been vital in the IT team for years. Among my proudest achievements is shifting from outdated to cutting-edge solutions. For instance, overseeing the move from Zoho to Office 365 streamlined communication and boosted collaboration across committees. This shift showcased my commitment to tech for operational efficiency. Amid Covid-19, the Technology team played a pivotal role in enabling virtual meetings. This highlighted the importance of tech in maintaining connectivity and productivity. As part of our modernization, I led the adoption of iPad Tablets, empowering our in-person meeting presenters and reflecting our innovation commitment. At my core is nurturing team collaborations. This spirit, especially during transitions, fosters innovation and collective challenge-solving. In essence, my VP role emphasizes servant leadership, tech innovation, and operational excellence. I'm committed to pushing boundaries, serving PMI Atlanta's mission through transformative tech.
Vision Statement:
As a candidate for the Director 3 position, my vision is to foster growth and engagement within PMI Atlanta by focusing on three key initiatives:
- Implementing a Cybersecurity Program: Recognizing the importance of data security in today’s digital age, I aim to establish a robust cybersecurity program. This will involve creating awareness about potential threats, educating members on safe online practices, and implementing security measures to protect sensitive information. As a non-profit organization, we must ensure that our resources are available to our members and members’ data is secure.
- Supporting the Technology Team: I can provide oversight to the technology team, ensuring that our technological capabilities align with our mission and goals. This includes supporting the team with issue escalation, making strategic decisions, and driving innovation.
- Innovations: Creative problem solving focused on leading PMI Atlanta chapter into future by applying innovative solutions and embracing modern technologies, tools and processes to enhance member engagement, retention and satisfactions. Specific areas can include incorporation of streaming, hybrid events, rebuilding of pmiatlanta.org website, expanded use of social media and AI tools.
Teresa Durham, PMP
Teresa Durham, PMP, CSM, Lean Six Sigma Certified, is a dedicated project management professional with over 20 years of experience, combining strategic vision, leadership, and operational efficiency. Teresa began volunteering with PMI before officially joining in 2007 and dedicated eight years to the chapter in roles such as Board Secretary, Governance Forum leader, and the first VP of Special Interest.
After navigating personal challenges and taking a sabbatical, Teresa returned to Atlanta and the professional world by founding Teresa Durham, LLC in 2023, where she specializes in project management, process improvement, and AI-enhanced solutions.
Teresa played a pivotal role in restructuring the PMI Atlanta Board into its current model with board members and a leadership management team. Although controversial at the time, the change was needed to better position the chapter to effectively grow and improve event management. Also as former Board Secretary, Teresa led the effort to document volunteer positions and contributed to rewriting the chapter’s bylaws and operating procedures, supporting the chapter's anticipated expansion.
Teresa brings a wealth of leadership experience, having directed teams across multiple industries and is known for her strong communication skills and commitment to helping others. She believes in fostering collaboration and innovation to help organizations thrive. With her extensive experience and passion for innovation, Teresa is committed to helping PMI Atlanta continue to lead the industry in project and program management.
Volunteer Experience:
My involvement with PMI Atlanta began from a genuine interest in project management and a desire to connect with others in the field. Starting as a volunteer, I contributed to Professional Development Day events, dinner meetings, educational classes, and speaker engagements. These experiences allowed me to immerse myself in the project management community and support its growth.
Over eight years, I held significant roles including Board Secretary, Governance Forum leader, and the first Director of Special Interest. I played a crucial role in restructuring the Board, enhancing the chapter’s ability to manage growth and volunteer activities. My efforts in documenting volunteer positions and updating the chapter’s bylaws were instrumental in streamlining operations and supporting the chapter's expansion.
Despite personal challenges and a hiatus from formal chapter activities between 2015 and 2021, I remained dedicated to mentoring and advising fellow project managers, demonstrating my commitment to the profession. Since founding Teresa Durham, LLC in 2023, I have spent most of my time working on my business but still make myself available as people reach out to me. Through my business I continue to contribute to the field through my work in project management, process improvement, and AI-driven solutions.
My passion for project management drives me to foster collaboration and support the success of others. I am dedicated to continuing my service to PMI Atlanta and advancing the profession.
Vision Statement:
My vision for PMI Atlanta is to build on our current strengths while actively listening to the needs and requests of our membership. I am committed to supporting the chapter's existing vision to be the industry leader in project and program management and fostering professional growth through project leadership. To ensure we continue to meet our members' needs, I plan to engage with both the membership, Leadership Team and the current Board to gather insights and align our strategies with their expectations.
My goal is to support strategic planning efforts that drive the chapter’s growth and success, ensuring that we not only uphold our core mission but also adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges.
I believe I can help continue to advance PMI Atlanta’s leadership in the field and enhance our ability to deliver value to our members and the broader project management community.