PMI Atlanta Chapter - Forums Summaries

Congratulations to Our New Members of the 2026 Executive Board of Directors

 

The PMI Atlanta Chapter would like to welcome our new members who will serve on the 2026 Executive Board of Directors. Please plan to join us at the Holiday Celebration on Monday, December 8, 2025 at Magginao's Buckhead.

Meet the New Board Members

2026-Board-Members

Chair-Elect

Itliong-GlennGlenn Itliong, PMP

Born in the Philippines and raised between Manila and Lusaka, Zambia, I bring a multicultural perspective shaped by a globally diverse upbringing. I attended an English boarding school for high school, where I was introduced to a rigorous academic environment and a rich mix of cultures. I went on to earn a B.A. in International Relations and Philosophy from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where I was honored with the President’s Award for Community Service for my volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. To deepen my leadership and business expertise, I later completed an Executive MBA at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Professionally, I serve as a Senior Project Manager specializing in SaaS and IT implementations across global markets. I have successfully led complex implementations in the United Kingdom, India, Poland, Canada, and the United States, helping organizations streamline operations, adopt new technologies, and drive digital transformation. My work combines a strategic mindset with cultural fluency, enabling me to lead cross functional teams and deliver results in diverse environments. Outside of work, I’m a proud husband to my wonderful wife Candace and the father of two spirited children — Jackson (6) and Ella (3) — who keep me inspired, grounded, and on my toes every day.

Volunteer Experience

Throughout my academic and professional journey, service has been a cornerstone of my identity. I’ve contributed time, leadership, and professional expertise to a wide range of mission-driven organizations, with a particular focus on housing, youth engagement, and nonprofit strategy. My most extensive volunteer experience has been with Habitat for Humanity, where I led numerous student groups on home-building projects in underserved communities. While attending Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, I organized and led weekend work crews of undergraduate and graduate students to housing sites in Southwest Philadelphia. These projects provided safe housing for local families while building a strong culture of purpose-driven leadership among students. Expanding on that commitment, I later organized, funded, and led a Spring Break service trip to Freeburn, Kentucky, a rural Appalachian community in need of affordable housing. I managed all trip logistics, fundraising, and volunteer coordination, allowing our team to contribute directly to new home construction efforts in one of the nation’s most economically challenged regions. In 1995, I was honored with a National Volunteer Commendation award signed by President Bill Clinton, recognizing my leadership and service through Habitat for Humanity. This award remains one of my proudest early acknowledgments of civic impact. Beyond Habitat, I have continued to serve in varied capacities. In San Francisco, I supported Sports4Good, a nonprofit that uses athletics to engage youth and raise funds for social causes, by helping to organize community sporting events. I’ve also offered pro bono consulting to nonprofit organizations, including Activate Good in Raleigh, NC, where I helped optimize their volunteer engagement and outreach strategy. Through my consulting practice, Process Mavericks, I continue to offer pro bono project management services to nonprofits, helping them improve operations, build capacity, and deliver greater impact. These experiences reflect a lifelong belief in using both leadership and service to build stronger communities.

Vision Statement

I envision the PMI Atlanta Chapter as a driving force for professional excellence, community connection, and strategic leadership.

If selected as Chair-Elect, my goal is to help expand the chapter’s reach, support our leadership team, and ensure PMI Atlanta continues to be a trusted hub for project professionals across the region.

With a background as a Senior Project Manager leading global SaaS and IT implementations across the U.S., UK, India, Poland, and Canada, I bring practical experience in aligning teams, managing risk, and delivering results across diverse environments.

I will leverage this experience to support chapter strategy; mentor as needed and help oversee sound financial and operational planning. My leadership style is rooted in service.

From receiving President Bill Clinton’s commendation for my volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity to providing pro bono consulting through my firm, I’ve consistently invested in helping others succeed.

I believe PMI Atlanta can grow its impact not just through events and networking, but by fostering meaningful mentorship, relationship building and hands-on community engagement.

As Chair-Elect, I will represent the chapter with professionalism, integrity and unbridled enthusiasm — championing its mission, supporting our volunteers, and helping guide strategic initiatives that serve both our members and the broader Atlanta business community.

Together, we can continue to build a chapter that’s innovative, inclusive, and inspiring — one that empowers every member to lead with purpose and deliver with confidence.

Treasurer

Noel-Nicole-RansomNoel Nicole Ransom, PMP

With over 18 years of experience leading transformative initiatives, I have dedicated my career to empowering teams, elevating organizational performance, and driving measurable results. As a PMP-certified Project Management Professional since 2013, a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and a proud member of PMI and the PMI Atlanta Chapter for more than eight years, I bring both deep expertise and a passion for advancing our profession. In my current role as Vice President of Implementation at Meridian Cooperative, I lead enterprise-wide technology migrations and process optimization programs, building trust across diverse teams and delivering operational excellence. Previously, I served as Senior Director of IT Strategy & Operations Management for Beazer Homes, and Senior Director of Process at FORTNA, where I established and led the Enterprise PMO, overseeing ERP and SaaS implementations that transformed business operations. Beyond corporate leadership, I am committed to sharing knowledge and inspiring others. I am the author of The Accidental Leadership Series, including Project Management Foundations: A Guide for the Accidental Project Manager, and am completing my Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in project management and process improvement. My doctoral research explores the relationship between project management methodologies, Lean Six Sigma, and cost reduction in manufacturing projects. An Atlanta native, I balance my professional life with community involvement, mentoring, and supporting local initiatives. Whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or the community, I lead with purpose, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence

Volunteer Experience 

Throughout my career, service has been a constant thread—whether in professional associations, education, or community impact initiatives. My volunteer work has allowed me to mentor, teach, and inspire others while strengthening the organizations I support. As a long-standing member of PMI and the PMI Atlanta Chapter, I have actively participated in chapter events, networking sessions, and professional development programs, often serving informally as a connector between members, local businesses, and project professionals. My contributions include mentoring emerging project managers, sharing best practices on Lean Six Sigma and Agile methodologies, and advising peers on career growth strategies. In my role as an adjunct instructor for Emory University’s Continuing Education Program and other professional learning platforms, I have volunteered time beyond the classroom to coach students, review resumes, and guide them toward PMI certifications. Many of my students have successfully earned their PMP or Lean Six Sigma certifications and advanced their careers. I have also given my expertise to alumni networks, including the International Clark Atlanta Alumni Network, where I help create engagement strategies, facilitate events, and encourage alumni to give back to their alma mater. Beyond the professional sphere, I have served as a mentor and supporter in youth sports programs, including the Level Up Basketball Academy, where I assist with event planning, fundraising, and mentorship. Additionally, I frequently volunteer with local charities, faith-based initiatives, and community projects, offering both my professional skills and hands-on support. Across all volunteer roles, my focus remains on empowerment and sustainability—helping individuals and organizations build the skills, strategies, and structures they need to thrive long after my direct involvement. I believe volunteering is not just about giving time; it’s about leaving a lasting impact that multiplies through the success of others.

Vision Statement 

My vision for the PMI Atlanta Chapter is to be the premier hub for project leadership, professional growth, and innovation in our region—where members not only earn credentials but also build lasting connections, expand their influence, and make a measurable impact on their organizations and communities.

As Treasurer, I will focus on three key pillars:

  1. Financial Stewardship – Safeguarding our chapter’s resources through transparent, accountable, and strategic financial management that ensures long-term stability and growth. This includes implementing sound budgeting practices, enhancing financial reporting, and ensuring funds are invested back into member value.
  1. Engagement & Empowerment – Using financial planning to expand opportunities for members to connect meaningfully—funding mentorship programs, collaborative projects, and learning pathways that equip members with advanced skills in project management, Lean Six Sigma, and emerging methodologies.
  1. Visibility & Sustainability – Positioning PMI Atlanta as a recognized voice and thought leader by aligning financial decisions with our chapter’s strategic goals. I will work to amplify our presence in local business forums, highlight the impact of member contributions, and ensure our resources fuel both chapter growth and community impact.

With 18+ years of experience leading enterprise transformations, a strong foundation in finance and accounting, and a passion for professional development, I am committed to ensuring that PMI Atlanta continues to grow in influence, reach, and value. Together, we will foster a chapter that doesn’t just keep pace with change—we will lead it with both vision and financial integrity.

Director-at-Large

Leonard-BennieBennie Leonard, PMP

I am a Dynamic, enthusiastic, and results-driven Program Manager with a strong track record of leading high-impact, multimillion-dollar organizational change and agile digital transformation initiatives across global organizations.

Volunteer Experience

I have served as the Vice President of Professional Growth for PMI Atlanta for 5 years. Under my leadership, we have certified 50 new PMPs, provided 150 mentors, and effectively served the community though the Social Impact Committee. I served as the host for the PMI Atlanta 40th anniversary celebration honoring our great organization.

Vision Statement 

Atlanta is a thriving hub of untapped project management talent. In my four years as VP of Professional Growth, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate professionals who’ve transformed our community—certifying hundreds through the PMI pipeline and creating meaningful opportunities for

growth. Yet, we’ve only begun to tap the potential that surrounds us.

My vision is to work arm-in-arm with the PMI Atl LMT and expand our reach, deepen our impact, and elevate PMI Atlanta as the premier destination for project management excellence. I will champion a bold, inclusive strategy that:

  • Activates dormant potential by engaging PMI members who haven’t yet found their place in our programs.
  • Welcomes new voices by recruiting certified professionals outside our chapter and inviting them into our vibrant community.
  • Incorporates best practices from across the nation—cost-effective, high-impact initiatives like resume building, interview coaching, social media strategy, and personal development workshops.
  • Bridges opportunity and talent by connecting employers with our members and building a robust career advancement pipeline.

We are a volunteer-powered organization with a strong foundation. My vision is to grow that foundation—adding new leaders, fresh perspectives, and innovative programs that reflect the diversity and dynamism of Atlanta’s professional landscape. Together, we’ll build a chapter that not only serves but inspires.

"The Power of Metrics For Improving Ways of Working" by Danny Presten: April 2023 Governance Forum Summary

Written by: LeDerrick Bouknight

In this discussion, attendees heard the advantages metrics can provide to improve organizational flow of value. The present shared real-world examples exploring the benefits and potential pitfalls organizations experience as they introduce performance metrics.

Presentation Overview PrestenDanny

After a brief opening and introduction, Danny Presten, began the discussion with his Pyramid of Value model. This model contains metrics important to the organization. (These metrics are listed below.) He further discussed that efficient flow of value is organizational collaboration. As such, the metrics quantify organizational performance even in software development. Hence, Danny linked the organizational metrics to a Value Stream Map (VSM) of the Agile stories processes listed in sequential order. In this example, the group discussed how a lengthy cycle time produced a process bottleneck. To increase value, this constraint should be addressed to unlock value in the organization to increase process flow. Therefore, traditional process improvement methodologies were linked to the Agile approach. Overall, this was an informative meeting providing tools for process efficiencies in software development.

Takeaways

Predictable Outcome Model discussion:

  • Pyramid of Value metrics (from top to bottom)
    • Profits
    • Customer Satisfaction
    • Innovation
    • Speed to Market
    • Prioritization
    • Predictability
    • Transparency
  • Additional metrics
    • Flow velocity
    • Flow distribution
    • Flow load
    • Flow time
    • Flow efficiency

Next Event

Join us at the next PMI Atlanta Governance forum on Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Keynote Presentation: "Competing IT Priorities - An Operating Model for Data Stewardship and Business Architecture: Is it The Cure?" by Jaleann M. Matos-McClurg, VP, Professional Development at IIBA Greater Atlanta

Register at www.pmiatlanta.org/events/event-calendar 

“Incorporating Agility into Waterfall Projects” by Amber Chandler: April 2023 Agile Forum Summary

Written by: Alex Leonard, PMP

Incorporating agility allows for a quicker response to changes and opportunities. Attendees learned the simple approaches to leverage flexibility and adaptability, that ultimately leads to more successful project outcomes.

Presentation Overview Amber-Chandler

On April 18, 2023, the Agile Forum of the PMI Atlanta Chapter hosted the “Incorporating Agility into Waterfall Projects” Special Interest Forum Event as presented by Amber Chandler. Amber has made a career in the Agile space, supporting organizations through Lean-Agile transformations, and helping solution-oriented professionals solve problems.

Throughout the course of a 1-hour presentation, Amber discussed the importance of incorporating the Agile methodology into those environments that utilize a traditional waterfall approach to project/product management. Some areas Amber focused on included an overview of traditional Waterfall vs. Agile Methodologies, the Agile Manifesto, and how to embrace the Agile mindset and implement adaptive techniques without any direct authority.

Amber made a point to emphasize that while both Agile & Waterfall are useful methodologies, knowing how and when to use them is what’s key.

Takeaways

  • “Incorporating agility into a waterfall project, does NOT mean using Scrum and Kanban exclusively.”
  • Agility relies heavily on flexibility, communication, time & costs.
  • Agile is a mindset – it is not an “on/off” switch; however, one should not expect to check every single “Agility Box” each day.
  • When operating in a waterfall environment, it is a good practice for a person to operate under a “second layer” where agile techniques such as iterative planning/execution or adaptive scope management can be incorporated, even if the team or organization has not yet transitioned into the Agile way.

Next Event

Join us at the next PMI Atlanta Chapter “In-Person” Agile forum on May 16, 2023

Keynote Presentation: "Agile & Cybersecurity" by Andrew Gurbaxani, vCIO at Assessivate LLC

Register at www.pmiatlanta.org/events/event-calendar 

Event Pictures

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"Data Visualization Changes Your Business" presented by Ashley Swain Cohen: April 2023 Healthcare Forum Summary

Written by: Rishea Middlebrooks MSHI, CAPM

The famous adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” is greatly attributed to many aspects of life, including data. How you visualize data determines how it is perceived to the intended audience and could make or break a decision process. Compare your techniques to the ten best practices below to see where you can take your data visualization capabilities to the next level!

Presentation Overview Cohen-Ashley

The volume of data we collect in our businesses is growing at rates that are hard even to quantify. As more information about your initiatives and projects is available, you can use these data to increase the efficacy of your projects. Ashley Cohen discussed the following concepts within the context of data visualization that have changed how we think about our world:

  • Definition of data visualization
  • Ten best practices
  • Five ways to understand and interrogate your data effectively

Takeaways

What is data visualization? The compilation of multiple data points to tell a story to the intended audience or to make a more informed decision. Data visualization is not an infographic or a table of data.

Ten best practices

  • Simplicity (Three/3)
    • Focus on the 3 things needed to make a decision.
  • Right graphs
    • Visualize change over time or data comparisons quantitatively (i.e., replacing pie graphs with bar graphs wherever possible). Line graphs, bar graphs and choropleth graphs are the most effective graphs in most settings.
  • Design
    • Data visualizations should be easily navigable, appropriate for the topic, consistent and well formatted. Don’t be afraid of white space. Use that to separate the degree variance of your data.
  • Color and shape
    • Color and shape schemes should be used to differentiate and compare differential values while also being friendly to color-deficient audiences (ex: shy away from red or green). Shapes should not be used to quantify data.
  • Context
    • Be sure to list titles, axis labels, data point labels and sources. Do not over label your visualization.
  • Relevance
    • Highlight impact points and visualize data latency where appropriate.
  • Audience
    • Take time to investigate your audience to better tailor your data visualization.
  • Story
    • Assess if the data you’re visualizing portrays the story you want to tell accurately.
  • Visual cues
    • Use visual cues where necessary to make data more impactful.
  • Accessibility
    • Design your data so that anyone can use and comprehend it.

Next Event

Join us at the next PMI Atlanta Chapter Healthcare forum on May 19, 2023

Register at www.pmiatlanta.org/events/event-calendar 

Event Pictures

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"The Power of Diverse Teams in Project Management" presented by Lauren Gohde: March 2023 Healthcare Forum Summary

Written by: Gail Banzon, PMP

Greater diversity and inclusion make organizations better. According to Pulse of the Profession® research, 88 percent of project professionals say having diverse project teams increases value. Do you know that gender-diverse companies are 21% more likely to outperform on profit? Do you also know that ethnically diverse companies are also 33% more likely to outperform on profit?

Presentation Overview Lauren-Gohde

The presentation was about the power of diverse teams in project management. We now understand the impact of equality, diversity, and inclusiveness on performance, collaboration, and creativity through innovation in the workplace within project-based organizations. Research has shown that compared to a single decision-maker, a diverse team will make better decisions up to 87% of the time. If your team only consists of male members, the decisions will be better at 58% compared to a gender-mixed team at 73%—the more diverse, the better decisions and overall performance. Diverse teams excel in troubleshooting, creating novel ideas, and accounting for a larger number of variables in their planning.

Get a diverse team, and you will have high performance? Quite the opposite! You must demonstrate a high level of inclusion and manage a diverse team to harvest the benefits from it. They will need to be well managed and time to be formed and find the strength in their complementary competencies and perspectives. If there is inclusive and compassionate Leadership and an inclusive culture within such a team, they will soon start producing great work. Team members will experience how they complement each other and will be able to deliver high performance through teamwork.

Takeaways

Main points:

  • Create the organization to be the best place to work
  • Mindset on inclusion and diversity
    • Diversity without inclusion doesn’t work
    • Diversity is multi-dimensional
    • Inclusion requires intention
  • Business benefits of diverse teams
    • Increased creativity and innovation
    • Better problem-solving and decision-making
    • Higher employee engagement
    • Better reputations

Challenges faced: What prevents us from being inclusive?

  • Bias, lack of awareness can obscure the need
  • Logistical challenges with remote workforce
  • Inexperience with uncomfortable or sensitive topics
  • Fear of making mistakes or saying the wrong thing

Solutions:

  • Inclusive Leadership
    • The behaviors of leaders can account for up to 70% of the difference between the proportion of employees who feel included and the proportion of those who don’t
  • The Inclusion Continuum
    • Intolerance, tolerance, awareness, accepting, valuing
    • Individuals should reflect on where they are in the inclusion continuum

Goals of the EDI:

  • Inclusive leadership is a commitment to creating an environment in which employees:
    • Feel a sense of belonging to the group
    • Feel valued for their unique contributions
    • Are treated equitably
    • Have the support to reach their full potential
  • Create the organization to be the best place to work

Lessons Learned:

  • Be courageous to speak up when you observe inequities
  • Include and seek input from people across a wide variety of backgrounds
    • For example, blind hiring to take out the demographic bias by interviewing on the phone to eliminate face-to-face judgment
  • Practice psychological safety
  • Ensure all voices are heard
  • Acknowledge when you have committed a microaggression
  • Model humility and build trust with those who may feel like the other
  • Practice active listening

Next Event

Join us at the next PMI Atlanta Chapter Healthcare forum on April 19, 2023

Keynote Presentation: "Data Visualization Changes Your Business" by Ashley Swain Cohen, Director of Partner Solutions, Salesforce

Register at www.pmiatlanta.org/events/event-calendar 

Event Pictures

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