Greater New Orleans Chapter

Jackson MS Community

From an initial superhuman effort of just a few people in 1990, the Chapter was founded. Obviously, value was recognized and appreciated as it has continued and grown. At the young age of five years, the Chapter hosted the PMI International Symposium in New Orleans. This may have been one of the first but certainly not the last of our flirtations with the national and international scene.

Our members have presented numerous times at PMI International Symposiums around the world, run for national offices, been elected as officers of SIGs (Specific Interest Groups), taught thousands of PMP preparation courses, authored books on project management, made presentations for NASA and many professional groups, and the list goes on and on. We are PROUD of OUR members.

Our membership includes engineers, schedulers, planners, data base managers, software developers, program directors, portfolio managers, educators, consultants, and many other fields. Their industries include banking, insurance, chemical production, oil and gas (both on and off shore), software development, construction, government agencies (city and national), aircraft/space, communication, manufacturing, consulting, and many others.

The general breakdown of attendees is approximately: consultant (engineering and project management) – 20%; oil and gas – 15%; IT (information technology with all its areas) – 30%, communication – 10%; all others 25%.The top two reasons given for meeting attendance is networking and education. We continue providing quality events in both of these areas.

Presently, both as a Chapter and as a profession, we are in a transition. The Chapter is maturing into an organization with a Vision and a Mission that is guided by our Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan has this Envisioned Future Statement, "Greater New Orleans is the project management center of excellence that drives economic prosperity."

Our organization is further maturing each year as we prepare the Business Plan that is supported by an Operations Plan. We give our members the full benefits of a PMI organization with exceptional project management programs and education. We reach out to our community to demonstrate that Project Management principles and practices are truly the key to their business success.

As proud as we are of our past and its leadership, the Chapter is currently led by a great Board of Directors. Their dedication and talent is just unbelievable. We are also supported by a strong PMI Region, peer support from other Chapters where we can draw tried and true support and guidance. And of course, a strong group of professionals at PMI Global Operations Center do a superb job of providing support. Indeed, the Greater New Orleans Chapter is in good hands.

As a transitioning profession, what we presently see that project management is only the tip of the iceberg. The future of PMI and project management is exciting. If there is a growth concept out there, it is project management. Fasten your seat belt, get ready for the ride.

But above all don’t give up your seat. JOIN US. We don't know exactly what the future will be but we know we ALL need to be in it. Right now the future is unwritten. Experience the impact YOU will make as YOU join in to move YOURSELF, YOUR Chapter and YOUR profession forward.

So, if you are a professional project manager, thinking about becoming one, or simply interested in the field of project management we can help. Membership and participation in chapter events offers you the opportunity to network with other professionals, obtain outstanding training at little or no cost, and share experiences and knowledge with other professionals. PMI and The Greater New Orleans Chapter is indeed a great value-added proposition!

Jackson MS Community is a COMMUNITY of PMI established in 2008.

The PMI GNO chapter requested approval for outreach to Jackson, MS in 2007. The request was approved and project planning for the community took place during the 3rd and 4th quarter of that year. The GNO Jackson MS Community was started early in 2008 through the efforts of John Mahoney in conjunction with support from the PMI Greater New Orleans chapter. The first dinner meeting for the group was held in February 2008, with an attendance of over 30. Currently, meeting notifications and announcements are sent to a distribution list of 233 people. Monthly meetings are well-attended with a good core group of attendees and new faces each month. The group is working to make education opportunities available, to focus on membership increases and bring the importance of project management to the forefront in the Jackson business community.