Niel Magsombol

Agile Transformation Architect, IN-VISION CONSULTING LLC

Niel is a Transformation Architect, Executive Leadership Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Author that has helped lead Enterprise Agile Transformations in Global Fortune 100 Companies such as Caterpillar, Prudential, Pfizer, Boston Consulting & Fidelity. He is also a proud member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, & DISC Behavioral Analysis Trainer, and is one of only 140 people worldwide to have earned an SPCT, the highest level of certification from Scaled Agile. He’s known as an insightful, energetic, and humorous motivational speaker that has presented at several Fortune 100 Companies, PMI, IIBA & Agile events around the world, universities, professional sports teams, and non-profit Organizations.

Julie Kowalski

Co founder and Managing Partner, Spizzerinctum Group

Julie Kowalski is a seasoned thought leader, inspiring coach, and superb facilitator, who elevates other’s performance. Through her own working history, Julie has gained valuable insight and acumen into the science of what it takes to start and grow successful businesses. She was named one of the “World’s Most Creative Thinkers” by bestselling author Seth Godin (Purple Cow) and she has successfully started and managed multi-million-dollar companies. She founded Spizzerinctum Group in 2001 to bring her passion for creative and critical thinking to a diverse set of clients. Over the past 20 years she has partnered with individuals and organizations to remove roadblocks, spark innovation, challenge the status quo and assumptions, and accelerate growth. Spizzerinctum Group has grown exponentially, and today works with companies of all sizes. Julie currently advises small-to-medium size companies and Fortune 100 companies across a wide range of industries, and she is the speaker of choice for multiple professional associations. Julie's enthusiasm, energy, command of the subject, coupled with her passion and creativity ensures other's success. Julie attributes her success to being a lifetime learner and constantly pivoting, learning, relearning, and upscaling her skills.

David Barrett

President, Solutions Network Ltd.

David Barrett is a professional speaker, regular blogger, podcast host, author of 8 books and project management education advisor to numerous universities in Canada. David’s career includes the creation and directing of a project management conference business called ProjectWorld / ProjectSummit, a training company, a software development firm, a speaker bureau, a project management portal called ProjectTimes.com and a project management event series called ProjectTalks. Most recently, he has launched a virtual, project management education platform called ProjectBites.com.

Sinikka Waugh

Founder, Owner, President, Your Clear Next Step

Sinikka Waugh, president and founder of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people improve their emotional intelligence and find innovative ways to solve problems and get things done at work. Putting her 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management to good use, Sinikka has provided compassionate leadership in transformation initiatives and helped over 46,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her results-driven professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her relentless passion for helping others achieve even better. Her class participants describe her as energetic and engaging (even over Zoom!). Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI). Sinikka and her husband Spencer live in Indianola, Iowa with their daughters. The team at Your Clear Next Step lives the company’s core values of being intentionally reliably useful, approaching problems with creativity and the art of the possible, being positive people-people, and demonstrating humility alongside confidence as they deliver training and coaching to their clients in central Iowa and around the world.

Steven Haines

Founder & CEO, Business Acumen Institute

Steven Haines’ ideas and books have contributed to corporate growth strategies for over two decades. His enthusiasm and focus have contributed to best-selling business books, including the Product Manager’s Desk Reference (3e), The Product Manager’s Survival Guide (2e), Leading Product Management, The Business Acumen Handbook, and How to Create a Winning Strategy. Steven Is the founder and CEO of Business Acumen Institute, an internationally positioned training and organizational advisory services firm focusing on business acumen excellence for emerging leaders and managers. He’s also the founder and CEO of Sequent Learning Networks, a product management training and advisory firm. Before he started Sequent, he worked in various product leadership, financial, and operational roles at AT&T. While at AT&T, he worked on a corporate task force that benchmarked dozens of other firms’ business practices and also served as a member of AT&T’s global leadership development program review board. He was also one of the founding members of the CRM business unit at Oracle during the ‘dot-com’ era in Silicon Valley. For more than ten years, he contributed to the world of business by serving as a mentor to The Founder Institute, the world’s largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program. Steven received his BS in Management Science and Organizational Behavior from Binghamton University and an MBA in Financial Management from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University. Steven is based in New York City and can be reached via email at [email protected] or on his mobile: +1.908.672.2989.

Keith Kmett

Principal CX Advisor, Medallia

Keith has a diverse background in both UX and CX during his career working across multiple industries including financial services, automotive, insurance and manufacturing. His experience includes building and leading CX and VoC programs in both the US and Latin America. Using customer insights to craft visions and business strategies, he has led innovative experience transformations such as a biometric sales experience and reimagination of how customers use search through legacy websites. His approach follows agile iteration with user testing along the way. He also leads the Spanish Medallia User Group, to connect Medallia customers with knowledge, examples and peers in their own language. Keith carries a passion for customer insights, persona development, journey mapping and CX measurement planning. He is an IDEO certified storyteller and has helped many clients visualize their customer insights to improve their communication strategies with their employees.

Kristian Bainey

K-PIC Systems Inc

Kristian Bainey, an accomplished professional with over 15 years of diverse and progressively responsible Information Technology (IT) experience, demonstrates a remarkable combination of technical expertise and leadership skills. He holds a master's degree in information systems, a bachelor's degree, and a diploma in Information Systems and Computer Systems Technology. Additionally, Kristian is PMP, SCRUM/Agile, Prosci, ITIL certified, and soon to be AI certified. These qualities enable him to efficiently direct or manage IT projects, portfolios, and change initiatives. His experience spans the application of PMI-PMBOK, PROSCI Change Management, and Agile/SCRUM methodologies and extends to digital transformation project development in areas such as AI, ML, DevOps, and IoT. Currently, Kristian is specializing in artificial intelligence and data science within the context of project management. Kristian's areas of focus include driving business and directing digital transformation, AI, data management, operations, continuous improvement, and change management structures, processes, and systems for medium to large-sized organizations. He possesses a comprehensive understanding of the entire software development life cycle, having worked on numerous business-related IT projects across public, private, and academic sectors as a consultant. Additionally, he has spent years part-time lecturing at the university and college levels, teaching PMP and SCRUM Master part-time and coaching students to attain their PMP. Kristian has successfully managed technical delivery and provided IT project management and leadership across multiple diverse projects using SAP tools Enterprise ERP’s such as Oracle NetSuite, Agile/Iterative SCRUM software delivery practices, technical SOA architectures, object-oriented analysis and programming in an N-tier development environment. Currently, Kristian holds the position of President-Elect for the Northern Alberta PMI Chapter (PMINAC).

April Callis-Birchmeier

CEO/President, Springboard Consulting

Recognized as one of the Top 30 Global Guru’s in Organizational Culture both in 2021 & 2022, April is an internationally known organizational change management expert who has implemented change for government, health care, higher education and corporate clients. She served on the ACMP Standard Working Group to develop the global professional standard for all change management practitioner’s worldwide and is CEO of Springboard Consulting, a change management consulting firm which provides enterprise implementation support, education, and exam preparation in organizational change management for Human Resource professionals. Her expertise and experience has resulted in certifications such as, PMP® (Project Management Professional), CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) and she was one of the first CCMP!™’s (Certified Change Management Professional).

Kevin Sutherland

Value Delivery Specialist, SI Delivery Consulting

I am an independent consultant focused on helping teams, leaders, and organizations deliver software to users, customers, and citizens. I began my career in IT working for Accenture, completing large transformational system integration projects for State government customers. Through my independent practice, I've discovered a passion for creating collaborative environments, facilitating continual improvement, and delivering value...and constantly learning/growing throughout the process.

Saby Waraich

CIO, Leadership Coach, Angel Investors, Pmstac

Energetic … engaging … lively … enthusiastic … inspiring … words that are often used to describe Saby. A speaker with the uncanny ability to look at the normal and see something quite different. Saby shares his life stories and have a fun way to look at life as well as live life. You are guaranteed to learn a thing or two on your journey from his unique perspective. He is a Technology Leader, Angel Investor, Professor, Mentor, Coach, Project & Program Management Expert, Change Leader and Volunteer Leader with a diverse experience of over 20 years in both public and private sector. An internationally recognized speaker, trainer and coach, Saby has assisted multiple diverse clients in their business transformation through project successes, bolstering communications across various departments, and assisted customers in creating effective solutions to complex problems. Saby is currently working as Chief Information Officer at Clackamas Community College, and as an adjunct professor at Portland Community of College. He speaks 4 languages, enjoys working with people and brings enthusiasm, inspiration & leadership qualities.

Sonal Sheth Zawahri

Author/Speaker/Trainer, Tru You

Sonal Sheth Zawahri is an award-winning Author, Strategist Trainer, and Emotional Intelligence Coach. She holds a B.S. degree from Miami University and an M.S. degree from Ohio State University and has recently been awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award through Women & Hi Tech. As an EI strategist, Sonal empowers individuals to step into ACTION & develop the MINDSET they need to STRETCH & create the life they want! She teaches individuals and Org. how EI builds confidence, cultivates & strengthens leadership skills, nurtures effective communication & fosters Inclusive cultures. She designs & delivers DEIB training prog for org. such as Roche, Eli Lilly, Ronald McDonald House, SHRM, PM Institute of IN & Chicago, Ivy Tech CC, Health Care Business Womens Association, etc. She presents LIVE & virtually, to local & global audiences.

Spencer Horn

President/CEO, Altium Leadership & Coaching

Businesses globally look to Spencer as an enthusiastic, insightful source for counsel and advice on developing productive and focused corporate cultures. Spencer draws upon his 31 years of executive experience to reenergize seasoned and emerging professionals and increase organizational effectiveness. He inspires change, to develop: a powerful culture, effective communication, high performing teams, and engagement. Spencer is the President of Altium Leadership. He has previously been the CEO of a leadership development company and Vice President of a NASDAQ company, which developed IMAX theaters in tourist destinations. There he worked with major organizations such as IMAX Corp., National Geographic Television, Radio City Productions, Disney Films and more. He has been speaking professionally since 2009. He has been speaking and presenting at PMI chapter development conferences since 2010 and has been a regular speaker at the PMI Leadership Institute Meeting (LIM) North America Conference, since 2014 and the closing keynote speaker of LIM AP & NA 2021. He is speaking again at LIM 2023. He is consistently one of the highest rated speakers for the yearlong, PMI Leadership Institute Master Class (LIMC) since 2015.

Anupama Kinatukara

Certified DISC Trainer, Motivational Speaker and Leadership Coach with Project Management experience

Anupama Kinatukara is the CEO and President of ZNDKIN Solutions Inc. and a certified DISC trainer, Motivational speaker, and Leadership coach. She has led individuals, teams and organizations internationally through many challenges and implemented various projects successfully in the corporate world. Anupama is amongst the top 2500 in the world to be PgMP Certified in early 2018, PMP certified since 2007 with master’s degree from IIT-Bombay (Mumbai) in Mathematics with specialization Computer Science along with 15+ years of experience managing and implementing IT and non-IT projects with Waterfall & Agile experience. She has been in leadership roles leading IT teams across the globe at Fortune 500 companies (IBM, MetLife, TIAA, Horizon BCBSNJ) and is on a mission to empower & equip leaders to BE CHALLENGED & LEAD ON. She is currently serving on the President's Advisory Council of the Maxwell LeadershipTeam on the Systems & Data Committee. Anupama is an award-winning Toastmaster & has been an International Keynote Speaker at Toastmasters and Rotary Clubs across the globe. She volunteers her time at the Project Management chapter in New Jersey, at her church and in her community. She is a mom of 3 and a committed individual who is passionate about servant leadership & developing leaders around her. Inspiring the project management community across the globe has been a journey, Anupama has taken for the past 3 years as a keynote Speaker at various Project Management Institute Chapters (PMI in USA, Singapore, Ireland, South Africa & others).

Janice Litvin

Professional, Janice Litvin Speaks

Janice Litvin is on a mission to help leaders and teams banish burnout in their organizations through keynotes, workshops, and accountability groups. As a former software engineer, trainer and technology recruiter, she has lots of experience with burnout. Janice has worked with many associations (including ABA, PMI, SHRM, etc) and helps corporate clients at employee development days. Janice is president of NSA NC and is also a member of MPI, WELCOA, and SHRM (for whom she is a recertification provider).

Anne Bonney

President/Speaker, Different Shoe Enterprises

Anne Bonney is a fun, energetic international keynote speaker and courage ignitor. She is an authority on Change Management, two-time author, host and creator of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast and an experienced virtual and in-person presenter. After 20 years in highly successful corporate and non-profit leadership positions, Anne, now uses her experience, education, and expertise to ignite YOUR courage to build resilience in change, take on difficult communication and thrive with emotional intelligence.

Jenn Donahue

Founder, Dare to Rise

Jenn Donahue PhD is a retired US Navy Captain and former Commodore for an 1,800 personnel Regiment. She is also a civil engineer who works on large scale, high profile geotechnical projects. Over her 27-year military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates River in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 800-personnel Battalion in Afghanistan, and constructed combat outposts in the middle of deserts filled with insurgents. Jenn has led earthquake and tsunami reconnaissance missions in places like Samoa and Japan; designed the seismic plans for a bridge over the Panama Canal; and built roads by blasting and drilling in the coldest climes of Ketchikan. Astonishingly, Jenn has even served as the seismology expert at no fewer than five nuclear power plants. Along the way she mentored scores of young leaders. Today Jenn runs JL Donahue Engineering. She also lectures at UC Berkeley and UCLA.

Lynn Aubrey

Director PDD 2023 for Central Iowa Chapter

Director PDD 2023 for Central Iowa Chapter

Pamela Clapp

President, PMI Central IL & Manager of Strategy Realization

I have been in a Project Professional for over 8 years working as a Project Manager and now in Strategy Realization. I am interested in connecting with people around Portfolio Management, Program Management, Resource Management and Smartsheet utilization.

Mary Simmons

PMI Volunteer - Project Manager - Application Systems at State of Illinois

Speaker Coordinator

Chris Craft

Consultant

Consultant

Gurjit Toor

Principle

Principle

Melissa Farley

Speaker Coordinator

Speaker Coordinator

Gay Lynn Hill

President, PMI Central IN

My passion for the chapter and the desire to expand the reach of its influence lead me to undertake the President role. I am a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Scrum Master I (PSM-I), SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM), SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM), and SAFe DevOps Practitioner (SDP). I have more than twenty years in program and project management. I am currently a Program/Project Manager with Tata Consulting Services (TCS), serving a local pharmaceutical company in Indianapolis. My compassion towards the well-being of children led her in 2018 to be a volunteer for Marion County as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the children, where she continues to serve our area. Graduate of Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Environmental Affairs with a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs.