2025 Q2 Newsletter
- kelsey.ward
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
State of the Chapter
Message from the President
Membership Stats
Strategic Plan Progress
Upcoming Events
A Message From the President
Hello PMI Central Ohio Chapter:
As we welcome the arrival of spring, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation for the new season ahead. Spring symbolizes renewal and growth and I’m eager to see the fresh ideas and initiatives that will blossom within our chapter.
This month, we have a special occasion to celebrate: National Volunteer Week, which takes place from April 20th to April 26th. This is a wonderful opportunity for the PMI COC Board of Directors to recognize and express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers in our chapter. Your selfless contributions have been instrumental in driving our projects forward and making a positive impact in our community.
To all our volunteers, thank you for your unwavering commitment and hard work. Your efforts are truly appreciated and we’re grateful for the time and energy you invest in our shared goals.
I encourage everyone to consider pursuing volunteerism for causes that matter to you. Volunteering not only enriches the lives of those we help but also brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to our own lives. Whether it's within our organization or in other areas of your life, your involvement can make a significant difference.
Wishing you all a vibrant and inspiring spring season!
Jenna Livingston
Membership Stats: January - March 2025
The board recently performed an analysis of our Chapter's membership demographic data to gain a better understanding of our members, and to inform our planning for upcoming programs, events and services. We are happy to share the following key points from this analysis:
We currently have nearly 1800 members. Our chapter membership has been growing at a rate of approximately 5% annually for the past 3 years.
Over 90% of our members live in Ohio, with a large concentration of members living in the central Ohio area, however, we have members living throughout Ohio. In addition, we have over 60 members that live outside the state of Ohio, representing nearly 20 different states, and several other countries.
The average age of our members is 49 years old, with an average chapter membership duration of 9 years. Our youngest member is 18; our oldest member is 79.
Our members work for many of the companies in Central Ohio, and work in all industries including Technology, Finance, Government, Healthcare, Higher Education, Energy, Manufacturing, and Construction.
Approximately 1200 (70%) of our members hold PMI certifications, with over 130 members holding more than one certification. Over 1130 members hold the PMP. Our younger members are more likely to hold the CAPM certification if they hold any PMI certification.
Nearly 45% of our members have been with the chapter for 5 years or less. On average we have approximately 35 New Members join the chapter every month, but we lose almost as many.
From this analysis and other inputs we know that our younger and newer members are most interested in obtaining certifications, receiving career guidance and development and networking, whereas our mid-career members are mostly interested in professional development, networking and earning PDUs to maintain their certifications. Our late-career members are interested in opportunities to give back to the chapter and to the profession through volunteering and mentoring. The board plans to use this information to offer a variety of programs and services going forward.
Looking Ahead: Monthly Themes that Reflect Our Values
As part of our effort to bring meaningful engagement and connection to our members, we’re excited to introduce monthly themes that spotlight important causes, celebrations, and community values. These themes are designed to align with PMI’s Core Values, while offering timely opportunities for members to engage, learn, and make an impact.
Each month, we'll focus on a different theme that ties into programming, events, and communications—helping us celebrate what makes our community strong.
Q2 Monthly Themes & PMI Core Values:
April – Volunteering
Aligned with PMI Core Value: “Together We Can”
We believe in the power of collaboration and community. Volunteering brings us together to drive meaningful change.
May – Military Appreciation & Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Aligned with PMI Core Value: “Be Welcoming”
We celebrate diversity and create inclusive environments where all voices are heard and valued.
June – National Safety Month
Aligned with PMI Core Value: “Embrace Curiosity”
We encourage lifelong learning, exploration, and innovation—even in areas like safety, where awareness can lead to progress.
Spotlight on April: Volunteering | "Together We Can"
This month, we’re shining a light on one of the cornerstones of PMI and our chapter—volunteering. Our April theme, "Together We Can", aligns with the PMI Core Value of Collaboration and Community. It celebrates the incredible impact our members make when they give their time, skills, and energy to support each other and advance the project management profession.
Whether you're mentoring, helping at events, serving on a committee, or contributing behind the scenes—your efforts help shape the future of our chapter. Volunteering is not just about giving back; it’s also a powerful way to grow your network, develop new skills, and find purpose through service.
National Volunteer Week: April 20-26
Join us in recognizing the amazing contributions of volunteers and all of the work that is making a global difference during this special week! It is the perfect time to make your impact count by logging your volunteer hours for Hours for Impact.
Hours for Impact is a PMI global initiative that encourages members to log their volunteer hours in support of causes aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From mentoring and community service to chapter engagement and project work that supports local nonprofits—every hour counts.
By logging your volunteer time, you’re not only celebrating the spirit of service—you’re joining a worldwide movement of project professionals creating real, measurable change.
How It Works:
Volunteer your time in any way that contributes to a better world—big or small.
Log your hours on PMI’s Hours for Impact page.
See the impact grow, as your efforts contribute to a global total.
Why It Matters:
Showcases the power of project managers to drive meaningful change
Amplifies the impact of your time and effort
Inspires others to get involved and give back
Whether you’re helping with a local event, mentoring an aspiring PM, or supporting a nonprofit, your hours can inspire action and demonstrate what’s possible when project leaders lead with purpose.
Ready to make your impact?
Start logging your hours today: pmi.org/hours-for-impact
Strategic Imperatives Progress: The GOLDEN Framework in Action
We believe strategy comes to life through action and we’re proud to share how we’ve been making progress on the strategic imperatives using the GOLDEN framework.
G – Global | We’re embracing opportunities to collaborate beyond our chapter:
Deborah Ducmanas, Past-President, was appointed to North America Advisory Group for the PMI New Membership Model —strengthening our chapter's voice at the global table.
Chapter Partnerships: We’ve continued exploring sponsorship opportunities to partner with local colleges & universities - details coming soon!
Global Connections: Deepening our connection with fellow Region 4 Chapters through Board Members' attendance at the upcoming PMI Southwest Ohio Gala. Fostering inter-chapter relationships by planning for member connections at PMI Global Summit 2025 & LIM 2025
PMI:Next & Values in Action: We're aligning monthly themes with PMI’s values—like January’s "Together We Can" and March’s "Be Welcoming", and actively participating in evolving discussions around PMI’s new membership model.
O – Onset | We’ve welcomed new faces and highlighted inspiring contributors:
Member Recognition: Kicked off new Quarterly Member Recognition of newly acquired certifications & certification spotlights.
Volunteer Spotlight: Lixmar Minier's story inspired us all—one of many volunteers making a difference. Read her Volunteer Spotlight below.
New Roles: Several new volunteers have stepped into leadership and support roles across our committees.
Get Involved: Open volunteer roles are posted regularly on our Volunteer Engagement Platform (VEP). Now’s a great time to plug in!
L – Leadership | We're growing the next generation of leaders through mentoring and involvement:
Mentorship Program Launch: Our pilot program kicked off strong with numerous mentors and mentees, creating meaningful one-on-one connections.
Leadership Opportunities: Interested in joining the board or volunteer team? We encourage members to learn more about roles up for election this year!
D – Discover | We’ve deepened our understanding of our members and community:
Membership Demographics Review: We conducted a detailed analysis of who our members are—see the highlights in this issue.
Recent Events: From the New Member Networking Night to International Women in Project Management Day, we've hosted events that connect, educate, and inspire.
E – Engage | Our programs continue to support professional growth and community building:
Certification Study Groups: Led by Joyce Lok, our groups are helping members prepare for exams and grow their careers.
Community Outreach: Further defined program objectives for the community outreach areas of Military Engagement and Construction Sector Connections. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect within your industry!
N – Nurture | We're building relationships and recognizing those who make our chapter stronger:
Networking Night at Forbidden Root: A great turnout and great conversations!
Q1 2025 Volunteer Spotlight
We're excited to kick off the year by recognizing a dedicated volunteer, Lixmar, whose passion, commitment, and impact has made a meaningful difference in our chapter. The Q1 2025 Volunteer Spotlight honors an individual who has gone above and beyond to support our mission, inspire others, and contribute to the success of our initiatives.
Lixmar joined our Member Services team in early 2024 and immediately became very involved as our Membership Services Data and Analysis Specialist. Lixmar provides in-depth analysis and reporting on our membership numbers, demographics and trends, and supports our monthly membership recognition communication processes. In addition, she attends every one of our in-person events, providing logistical support and helping to make the event a success. She is also very involved in the PMI Latin America Chapter and is now starting to volunteer directly with PMI Global.
She always has a smile on her face. We appreciate all that Lixmar brings to our chapter and are very happy to recognize her in this Spotlight!
Work industry/ Job title
Oil and Gas / Design Engineer
PMICOC committee/position
Membership Services Data and Analysis
Years served on this committee/role
8 months
What motivated you to volunteer with PMICOC?
I have been a volunteer with PMI since 2023, starting with PMI Latam, where I gained enriching personal and professional experiences. Moving to the Central Ohio Chapter's area of action, I joined PMICOC to further expand my volunteer opportunities. My motivation to volunteer with PMICOC is driven by the opportunity to continue my professional development, contribute to the local project management community, and build valuable connections within the Central Ohio area.
What makes this volunteer experience a meaningful use of your time?
This volunteer experience is meaningful because it allows me to contribute to the project management community while simultaneously gaining valuable knowledge and contacts.
I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to learn new concepts and approaches and explore diverse project management methodologies.
What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a volunteer with PMICOC?
The biggest personal benefit is the expansion of my network, leading to job opportunities and professional development. My volunteering journey with PMICOC has been a transformative experience, allowing me to grow professionally, connect with inspiring individuals, and contribute to meaningful projects. The support and opportunities provided by PMICOC have been invaluable, and I encourage others to embrace the rewarding experience of volunteering.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
I'm a global citizen when it comes to project management, I actively volunteer with both PMI Latam and PMI North America, connecting with passionate professionals across the Americas and learning about diverse project management approaches.
Your favorite mantra or quote?
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do” by Eleanor Roosevelt
Other Ways to Get Involved: Volunteering Opportunities
Get involved with PMICOC and make an impact by volunteering—whether you're looking to develop leadership skills, expand your network, or give back to the project management community. Visit the Volunteer Engagement Platform (VEP) for current opportunities or reach out to info@pmicoc.org to find the perfect fit for your skills and interests!
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