2012 PMI Lakeshore Chapter Elections - Candidates

Iad Abdul-Rahman	1. Education and professional qualifications: Quality System Auditor, Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA), 2011 Project Leadership Program (PLP), University of Waterloo, 2010 Safety Management System Training, Transport Canada, 2010 Project Manager Professional (PMP), PMI-USA, 2009 Project Management (PMP), Harvard Business School, 2008 Professional Engineer (P. Eng), PEO-CANADA, 2007 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)(M2), Transport Canada, 2007 Aircraft Maintenance Inspector (AMI), Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council (CAMC), 2007 Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT), CAMC, 2007 Aviation Evaluator, CAMC, 2007 Flight Engineer, PAN AM Flight Academy, 2000 Ph.D. in Aviation Safety, Aviation University of Riga, 1992 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Master Degree), University of Riga, 1987 2. Number of years as a PMI Member: 5 3. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter Member: 5 years 4. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer and positions: 5 Years 5. Contribution as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer: 2010: Organizing and Marketing the 10th Anniversary of the PMI-Lakeshore Chapter 2010-2011: Facilitator/Host for Monthly Dinner Meetings, Events. Responsible for: Preparation of Agenda Facilitated meetings 2010-2011 - Project Manager for Saturday Half Day Sessions, Events. Responsible for: Delivery of event Coordination with UofT Event Management Team Any issues/concerns that arise Follow up questions, lessons learned and financial management As a Lakeshore Chapter member I enjoyed the active participation in the joint Board/FAC meetings. 6. Contribution as a volunteer elsewhere: Volunteer at Toastmasters International (District 86, Hershaw Club): Sergeant at Arm, 2009-2010 VP Public Relation, 2010-2011 Area 42 Governor, 2011-Present Volunteer at Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace, 2007-Present: Member of Steering Committee for Quality Managers and Quality Auditors, CCAA Member of Steering Committee (Accreditation and Certification), CCAA Volunteer at Rotary International (HeartLake Club), 2011- present Volunteer at Professional Engineers of Ontario, 2009 - present Member of Mentorship Program Volunteer at International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI), 2007 - present Member of Accident Investigating Committee, Canadian Society of Air Safety Investigators Volunteer at International Airport Authority Executives (IAAE), 2009-present Board member of IAAE, Canada 7. Any other information such as employment history or other professional or personal details: I joined Aviation Industry in 1987, where I held different positions, including Technical, Operation, Regulatory and AMO. Also I conducted consulting for many Aviation companies. Since 1992, I developed, trained and implemented many programs all over the globe through various companies , universities and other professional organizations and published/presented 10 technical and management papers in various publications/conferences throughout the globe. I received many International Awards including: Publicist of the year from Toastmasters International, 2011 Appreciation Award from PEO-Mentoring Program Canada, 2010 Appreciation Award from PMI-Lakeshore Chapter, 2010 Appreciation Award from Toastmasters International, 2009 Employee of the year from AAS, 2007 Safety Awards from Ministry of Transport – Syria, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2005 Safety Award from ACAC CasaBlanca, 2004 I have also been involved in a several critical Transformation projects in a leadership capacity and bring with me skills in Business Transformation, Negotiation and Strategic Planning. I apply a customer centric focus to managing projects and believe that these skills will be an asset as a Board Member on the PMI Lakeshore Chapter Board of Directors. I have been able to achieve 30-40% efficiencies for clients based on a review of their business processes/best practices against their business objectives and this approach has generally resulted in operational savings to the organization. These are the skills and expertise that I will utilize as a Board Member on the PMI Lakeshore Chapter. I have had the fortunate experience to participate in the PMI/RLCA Community Outreach Project that received the PMI Global Award in 2010 and I look forward to the opportunity to work with the PMI Lakeshore Chapter membership as we continue expand our achievements.
John Ariyo	1. Education and professional qualifications: Bachelor's Degree: Geography & Planning (1998) Master's Degree: International Development Studies (2005) PMP certified Member, PMI and PMI Lakeshore Chapter Member, Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) - www.evaluationcanada.ca I currently work as the Supervisor for Research & Projects at the City of Mississauga, Community Services Department, Culture Division. I bring 12+ years of experience in social science research, community engagement, performance measurement and project management. At the City of Mississauga and earlier on in my career, I've had the opportunity to directly manage or play pivotal roles in a number of community-based projects and partnership initiatives. I strongly feel a combination of my background and skill set will complement the great work that the PMI Lakeshore Board is already doing. I want to bring in new perspectives that will better harness the diverse experience of our members, create more public awareness, and increase our creative opportunities and influence. 2. Number of years as a PMI Member: 2 Years 3. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter Member: 2 Years 4. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer and positions: I haven't had an opportunity to volunteer for the Chapter, so this Board position will be a great opportunity for me to serve the Chapter in the most impactful manner. Previously, I've attended volunteer information sessions and applied for opportunities. I have also attended speaker sessions at Chapter's event activities where I had the opportunity to meet many great Chapter members. Some of these connections with Chapter members still exist today. 5. Contribution as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer: Same as above. 6. Contribution as a volunteer elsewhere: One of my passions is to be connected to my community and shape my professional body of practice. Here are two of my current volunteering activities among others: Board of Director: The Creative City Network of Canada, CCNC (www.creativecity.ca). The CCNC is the largest network of municipal government cultural staff in Canada with over 120 municipalities across Canada as members. Mentor/Guest Speaker: Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre (www.dixiebloor.ca). I participate in the Mentoring Partnership Program for newcomers to Canada, as well as guest speaker at different occasions in the OASIS job workshops for newcomers. 7. Any other information such as employment history or other professional or personal details: If given this opportunity to serve our Chapter, I believe I would be a great addition to the team. My focus at the Board level would be in three specific areas: Improve Job Opportunities / Volunteering: Ensuring the experience, skills and diversity of our members are better utilized through the creation of strategic volunteering opportunities and "foot-in-the-door" job opportunities, particularly for unemployed or underemployed Chapter members; Improve Chapter's Visibility: Fostering better community and corporate connections with municipalities and other key constituents in the Lakeshore Chapter of PMI, thereby increasing Chapter's awareness, corporate opportunity and membership base; Improve Performance Measures: Ensuring we continue to better collect and use feedback from members to improve our services and strategic planning activities, with clear performance measures and indicators.
Alison Copoc	1. Education and professional qualifications: Currently a Project Manager and Consultant with 12 years' experience in the Information Technology sector. PMP Enterprise Content Management Practitioner, AIIM White Belt, Six Sigma Designer/Developer/Data Modeling & RDMS 2000, Oracle 8 Computer Programming Diploma, Sheridan College Library & Information Technician Diploma, Sheridan College Service Excellence, Sheridan College Coaching Level One Certification, Mississauga Parks & Recreation 2. Number of years as a PMI Member: 5+ years (Since 2007) 3. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter Member: 5+ years (Since 2007) 4. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer and positions: 5+ years Director Marketing Director Events Liaison at PMI Educational Foundation Assistant Vice President Events Events team member 5. Contribution as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer: Project Sponsor Project Management workshop - McMaster University Meet the Grad Night – Mohawk College Brand Management Strategy/Operational Excellence Board of Directors Orientation Volunteer Orientation Golf Tournaments Mentor Implemented Succession planning for new Board members1 Presenter PMI Global, Leadership Institute Meeting, 2010, 2011 PMI Region 3 Summit 2010, 2011 Chapter Award Recipient Community Advancement of Project management 2010 Project Manager Community Outreach Project Speed Networking Event 2009 Golf tournament 6. Contribution as a volunteer elsewhere: Terry Fox Run, 2010, 2011 Toronto Brigantine, Marketing event 2008 Take your kids to Work Day – provided introduction to Project Management to Grade 9 students – CGI, Maple Leaf Foods Social Club Leader – CGI, Maple Leaf Foods, Dot Com Entertainment Group 10 years Double Blue Basketball Association, fundraisers, 8 years Supercheer Scorpions Cheerleading, fundraisers, 4 years Burlington Gymnastics Club, fundraisers, 4 years Lorne Park TBall Association, coach, 4 years 7. Other relevant information: I have been actively involved with the chapter from the first meeting I attended by helping out at the registration desk. I met Kelly Ann Pauly, the current Senior Vice President, soon to be the President of our chapter. Kelly provided me with the opportunity to lead the top direction suggested by the members in 2009. This role led to recognition in the February 2009 issue of PMI Today and the project gave the Chapters first nomination for a PMI Global Component award. Personally I achieved my PMP certification and have been given opportunities to grow as a leader and develop leadership skills. I mentored my team members and implemented succession planning to prepare them for their role as a Board member. My interest is to provide chapter members with opportunities to turn their dreams into skills, skills into confidence and confidence into opportunity for growth. I bring my enthusiasm and passion to reach out to our members to further enhance the project management profession. With your vote I could continue my involvement with the chapter in a leadership capacity.
Mihaela Duceag	1. Education and professional qualifications: I have over 17 years experience in an IT environment within various industries: Health Care, Manufacturing, Distribution, Not-for-profit, Retail and Nuclear. My career progressed from being a Programmer/Analyst, Sr. Business Analyst and Project Manager. I am currently a Project Manager with TJX Canada. My portfolio currently includes all Client Server, Distribution Services/Centers and Business Intelligence applications. Education: University Degree in Computer Science (with Honours) with major in Information Technology Certificate in Management (with Honours) from Humber College Professional Qualifications: PMP since 2008 (in good standing) Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt since 2011 In the process of getting ITIL v3 Foundation Certificate 2. Number of years as a PMI Member: 5 years (since 2007 ) 3. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter Member: 5 years (since 2007 ) 4. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer and positions: 3 yrs (since 2009) 2009 Symposium – Driving Business Success into the Future: Project team member – sponsorship 2011 Symposium – Project Management for Organizational Excellence: Project Manager 2012 – Co-Facilitator for Take the Lead: A Workshop on Project Management at McMaster University - Health Forum 5. Contribution as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer: After a year of planning and execution, and not without challenges, a team of only 11 volunteers delivered a symposium attended by 250 participants...excellent speakers, good food, networking and, for the first time: Mississauga Mayor, Hazel McCallion. The team's efforts paid off and we were able to deliver on our commitments and to deliver within the approved budget. 6. Contribution as a volunteer elsewhere: Member of "Building Capable Leaders" Committee within the Diversity Leadership team at TJX Canada. The Committee's objective is to influence and support a culture where the Company will attract, retain, and develop engaged associates, and to have a leadership team that understands and considers Diversity in their business. Mentor for a Project Management Graduate student at Humber college 7. Other Being the Project Manager for last year’s Symposium has given me the opportunity to interact with many FAC volunteers. The journey was fulfilling and I am ready for a new challenge. As a Board member, I will: Continue the annual symposiums, as a full day PD event: good presentations, networking, and PDUs. New format: longer presentations, more round tables, more networking and less time to get the PDUs approved. Continue PMI Lakeshore initiatives that meet our Chapter's goals, develop a growing membership through providing valuable services and promoting these services within the community. Engage in new community oriented volunteer projects that showcase our knowledge. I look forward to my contribution from a Board of Directors capacity.
Arnold J. Jaggernauth	1. Education and professional qualifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) # 489829 Masters in Business Administration (MBA), BSc (Hons) Chemical Engineering 2. Number of years as a PMI Member: 7 years 3. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter Member: 3 4. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer and positions: 2 5. Contribution as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer: I am Arnold J. Jaggernauth, a Chemical Engineer with 34 years combined Industry experience. I actively participated in PMI Lakeshore chapter symposium "Project Management for organizational excellence" by providing management and marketing support to the Executive team. The symposium was a resounding success as indicated by member feedback. 6. Contribution as a volunteer elsewhere: Since 2010, I have also been a Volunteer of the PEO Mississauga Chapter mentoring committee as a delivery support team member. We were able to accomplish over 50 matches between mentors and mentees, and established a tracking process to facilitate performance management of the mentoring program. 7. Any other information such as employment history or other professional or personal details: Held positions in a Senior Management capacity demonstrating competencies in Cost Leadership, Organizational capability, Strategy Development and Performance Management A few key competencies that will benefit the Board include Cost Leadership, Strategy Development , networking , effective communications and performance management. Professional work history includes international travel , attending major conferences and networking in a globally competitive environment . Key positions include : Project Manager, Global Educational & Consulting Services, Mississauga Director, Business Development, Hull Support Services Ltd, Trinidad and Tobago Director/Owner, AJ Engineering, Trinidad and Tobago Senior Engineering Manager, bp ( formerly British Petroleum )
Lauryn McLelland	1. Education and professional qualifications: I have an Honours Bachelor degree from University of Toronto, a Diploma of Computer Programming from Sheridan College and advanced training in facilitation. I received my PMP certification in 2008 and my Prosci Change Management (ADKAR) Certification in 2010. 2. Number of years as a PMI Member: 7 3. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter Member: 7 4. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer and positions: 4 2008 & 2009 Lakeshore Project Management Symposium Committees 2009-2010 Events FAC -managed the Registration desk for Monday night dinner meetings and Saturday Professional Development sessions Registration coordinator for the 10th Anniversary Dinner organizing committee Currently member of the Membership FAC 5. Contribution as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer: See item #4 Streamlined the registration desk process and created workplan New Members' Orientation Sessions - created workplan Having benefited from membership in Lakeshore chapter and I am asking for the opportunity to give back to the chapter, particularly: Relationship building with schools, businesses and other chapters community development projects Member professional development opportunities 6. Contribution as a volunteer elsewhere: Co-Chair - Oakville Canadian Cancer Society 2012 Relay for Life Food for Life program - Halton Children's Aid Society location My children's local schools and sports programs Adhoc Research Committee - Project Management Diploma program, Sheridan College Coaching athletes, and participating on committees for disabled sports from local to international level 7. Any other information such as employment history or other professional or personal details: I live in Oakville and am married with two adult children. I worked as a systems analyst and a project manager for the Region of Peel for over 9 years in the business and IT sectors. I am passionate about project management and the Lakeshore Chapter which has provided me with support, an opportunity to develop my professional skills and knowledge and, most importantly, friendship. I would like to "pay forward" what I have received by participating at a decision making level to ensure that this chapter continues to grow and provide value to the members and the community.
Dr. Wael Ramadan	1. Education and professional qualifications Professor of Project Management at Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning (2009 - Present) PhD, Cleveland State University (CSU), USA (2009) Graduate Certificate in Urban Economic Development, Cleveland State University, USA (2009) MBA "Economic Policy & Corporate Strategy" Maastricht School of Management (MSM), Holland (2001) Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute (PMI), USA (2001 – Present ) Program Management Professional (PgMP) Candidate, Project Management Institute (PMI), USA (2011) B.Eng. Biochemical Engineering - University College London, UK (1991) Teaching With Cases Certificate, Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, Canada (2010) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), Toronto (2010) Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB), Toronto (2010) General & Strategic Management Certificate, Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP), Holland (2007) Strategic Restructuring Certificate, Financial Markets International, Palestine (2006) Strategy & Management in the Middle East Certificate, Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP), Jordan (2006) Political Economy Certificate, Institute Program, Fulbright, USA (2005) Competitive Strategy & The Internet, Center For Middle East Competitive Strategy, Palestine (2001) Internal Quality Auditing Certificate, Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, UK (2000) Hazard Assessment & Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certificate, Palestinian Food Industries Association, Palestine (2000) 2. Number of years as a PMI Member: Eleven years, since 2001 I have joined the following chapters: Netherlands Chapter, North East Ohio Chapter and Lakeshore Chapter. 3. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter Member: 2 (2010) 4. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer and positions: 2 years Joined the Marketing FAC as an AVP of Marketing-Education in 2010 Joined the procurement committee in 2011 Elected as PMI Lakeshore Chapter Treasurer in 2011. 5. Contribution as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer: Treasurer since 2011 Recruited several new volunteers Joined Education-Marketing FAC in 2010 Joined Procurement Committee in 2011 Lead efforts in developing infrastructure and design for various organizational processes Worked on the education outreach project that aims at promoting our chapter by targeting Universities, Colleges, and High Schools Participated actively in BOD meetings Participated actively in new members orientation events 6. Contribution as a volunteer elsewhere: Member of the Board of Directors of the Chinese American Scholars Association (2010 - Present) Member of the Board of Directors of the Palestinian Industries Association (1998 - 2002) Member of The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Governorate Representative Committee Initiated contact and procedures to create the first PMI chapter in Palestine As a Master Training Consultant in Project Management I volunteered & assisted AMIDEAST in getting the first REP status from PMI in Palestine to deliver PMP exam prep training, designed curriculum and selected textbooks President - Friends of Palestine Society, University College London (1989-1991) 7. Any other information such as employment history or other professional or personal details: Taught PM courses for eleven years at business schools in Canada, USA, Holland, Palestine Designed & delivered: over 1000 hours of PMP exam prep training, customized training for leading organizations: World Bank, Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA), pharmaceuticals firms, NGOs & local government organizations Initiated partnerships between universities & private sector institutes Selected as a strategic planning expert for local & global organizations including (EU) Developed excellent command of academic technology & quantitative analysis Five academic scholarships including Fulbright; nine scholarly activities Regional experience: Canada, UK, Netherlands, Palestine, Jordan, Hungary, Croatia, USA, Rwanda.
Joseph Zielinski	1. Education and professional qualifications: My career spanned 41 years as an IT Professional in the Insurance, Banking, Telecommunications and Aero Space industries. My specialty was to set up PMO offices. My expertise is in Change Management and Risk Management. Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor (retired) and have won numerous air rallies. I was also a Cadet Leader Instructor in the Canadian Armed Forces. My specialties included: Team Leader, a Drill and Ceremonials instructor, Shooting Coach, and Field Training Instructor. Education: Masters Degree in Science with a major in Computer Science Professional Qualifications: PMP since 2003 Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor (retired) Cadet Leader Instructor certification 2. Number of years as a PMI Member: 12 years (since 1999) 3. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter Member: 12 years (since 1999) 4. Number of years as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer and positions: 12 years (since 1999) In the past I have held the following positions with the Lakeshore chapter: President Immediate Past President Senior Vice President of Operations Director of Communications Director of Professional Development Director of Marketing Vice President of Finance 5. Contribution as a Lakeshore Chapter volunteer: As President and Senior Vice president I took on the initiative to restructure the board into two sections; consisting of the Board and Operations. The role of the Board were to perform strategic planning sessions, perform audits, and execute projects from the strategic sessions. The board members were sponsors, champions, and coaches to the Operation Function areas. As the Senior Vice President I lead the Operation FACs. I acquired volunteers to take on roles of Vice President and worked with the VP’s to build their respective teams. As a Senior Vice-President I works closely with the President and was responsible for the overall functioning of the Chapter; assuring that the Functional Area Committees worked together as a team, dedicated to achieving the Chapter vision, mission and objectives as communicated by the Board of Directors. As Immediate Past President and Chairman of the Board I ensured that the Lakeshore chapter aligned itself with Global PMI and collaborated with other chapters in Ontario. As Chairperson of the Board of Directors I presided over all Board and member meetings, provided guidance on Chapter operations and governance, and was Chairperson of the Nominating Committee. As Director of Professional Development I implemented the Saturday Half Day session and the chapter mentoring program. I also engaged an outside educational provider to conduct the PMP prep course which is extremely popular with our members. As Director of Marketing I restructured the Lakeshore Marketing Outreach Committee into five sub-committees: Corporation Outreach, Non-Profit Outreach, and Education Outreach, Government Outreach and Professional Associations/Special Interest Groups Outreach. As Vice President of Finance I worked with the Treasurer to ensure that the financial goals and objectives for the Chapter were met, and that an annual financial plan was executed. Presently as the Director of Communications for the Lakeshore Chapter I have reorganized the Communications Functional area; setting the direction the FAC should follow and have engaged 18 volunteers. We have implemented the new eblast and the team is planning to integrate the Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook) for the Lakeshore chapter, as well as, a Chapter Newsletter. We will shortly provide the chapter with a Toll Free number. 6. Contribution as a volunteer elsewhere: I have served on the Board of ProjectWorld for two years and acted as a project manager for ProjectWorld representing the Lakeshore Chapter for 5 years. I am presently providing project management training for the Canadian Institute of Management (Hamilton Branch). 7. Other As a Board member for over 8 years, I have contributed to the well being of the Lakeshore Chapter and the chapter grew from 55 members when I joined to over 2300 members presently. We are the leading chapter in Canada with many other chapters looking to us for guidance and help. I will: Ensure that we service our Lakeshore members by bringing in new services, such as Agil training. Continue provide volunteer opportunities to our members. Work with the Board to implement new programs and initiatives.