Previous PM Symposiums

2016 Project Management Symposium track room presenter

Over Ten Years of the UT Dallas Project Management Symposium

Find information from the past ten years of Project Management Symposiums, including keynote speakers, links to keynote presentations and links to download slides.

2024 Project Management Symposium

Download 2024 Presentation and Papers

Larry Solomon

Larry Solomon

Former Senior Vice President and Executive at several companies
Teaches Change Management for the Executive MBA Program at UT Dallas

Mobilizing teams to execute change with excellence
We all know that most change initiatives fail to deliver their goals, largely due to ‘people issues’, rather than the change strategies themselves Over 40 years, working in organizations around the World, I have learned many lessons on the do’s and don’t’s of effective change management to share.

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Kandyce Ormes-Ripley

Kandyce Ormes-Ripley, EdD, LSSBB

Associate Vice President of Data Analysis & Strategy
Buckner International

Buckner Logo

Project Management for the Greater Good: Lessons Learned from the Non-profit World
We all know that the foundation of a good project is a well-executed plan: a plan that starts on time, follows the critical path exactly, ends on time, and is completed within budget. But what happens when your straight-line process becomes a squiggly line of stops, starts, readjustments, and start-overs? Nonprofits must navigate through uncertainties and external factors outside of the project sphere of control such as funding, volunteer labor, government policies, and the dynamic needs of clients. Hear lessons learned from navigating through uncertainties of the nonprofit world and how leaders across all business sectors can be nimble and still get things done.

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Benjamin Smithee

Benjamin Smithee

CEO, The Smithee Group

Leader Shift – How to develop teams of leaders instead of leaders of teams
Leadership and Culture are the greatest predictors of an organization’s success. But, in a world of digital, scale, and growth – people are the most unpredictable and least uniform facet of business and projects. So, how can we create success and long-term sustainability for organizations that drive change in the marketplace?
Ben and his team at TSG have helped businesses such as McDonalds, EA Games, eBay, Cox Auto, Popeyes, Signet Jewelers and 100’s of others create some of the most powerful brands in the world. Along the way, they realized the same principles that helped businesses build successful brands could be utilized to shift the way businesses develop transformational leadership, resulting in teams of leaders instead of simply leaders of teams.

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Lucas Smith

Lucas Smith

Director of Agile & Program Service and Professional Scrum Trainer (PST) at Toyota Connected North American

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Watch Speech

Navigating the AI Revolution in Project Management


Join us for a cutting-edge exploration of how Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs) are reshaping the landscape of industries and transforming the dynamics of project management. In this session, we will delve into the compelling journey of AI integration within teams, highlighting the opportunities this technology brings to the table, as well as the challenges it poses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Insights into how teams building their own LLM models manage unpredictable development timelines, with a focus on balancing dates, investment costs, and model performance.
  • Strategies for organizations incorporating LLMs/GenAI into their products, emphasizing the advantages of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions and the crucial role of model training and testing.
  • A look into the profound efficiencies AI introduces into existing workflows, from turbocharging marketing strategies to enhancing development tools, while carefully considering the risks of data exposure and compliance violations.

Panel: Impact of AI in Our Everyday Life
Davidson Auditorium

Abstract

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our everyday lives is both profound and expanding, touching almost every aspect of our daily activities, work, and broader societal functions. These areas include healthcare, entertainment, home and workplace, education, security and surveillance and beyond. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into our daily existence is expected to grow, marking a future where its presence is both universal and vital.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the profound and expanding impact of new tools and technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) on project management
  • Recognize the top industries and types of projects influenced by AI including healthcare, entertainment, home and workplace, education and others
  • Identify ways these tools can be used in projects such as risk management, scope, design, requirements, transformation and other areas
  • Discuss the ongoing evolution of AI and its increasing integration into project management and daily life

Panelists:

Natalia Fisher

Natalia Fisher

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Bio:

Natalia Fisher is a Project Management Professional (PMP)® and has been working with marketing and IT projects and programs for over 10 years in a variety of industries, such as CPG, IT, telecommunication, transport and logistics, and healthcare.

For more than five years, she has volunteered for the PMI Dallas Chapter and now she serves as a Chapter President.

Natalia is very passionate about learning about AI and implementing her knowledge in her professional and personal lives.

Jason Andrew

Jason Andrew

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Bio:

A technical specialist at Microsoft and an enthusiastic advocate for Artificial Intelligence (AI), Delivering consumer-facing applications using Natural Language Understanding since the early 2000s. Jason’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to integrating Generative AI into everyday life. Educated at the University of North Texas, Jason has cultivated a rich background in AI that complements his dynamic career. Beyond the tech arena, he enjoys golf, poker, and yoga, showcasing a well-rounded personality that informs his holistic approach to AI and its applications.

Silvia Davis

Silvia Davis

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Bio:

With 20+ years of solid experience in technology (end-to-end application development and delivery lifecycle), business, and marketing, Silvia Davis has the skills and passion to bring digital products and solutions to market effectively and strategically by simplifying complex topics into stories that can be unique and make a difference for enterprises. In the last two years, She managed three critical products for Digital.ai -Intelligence AI-ML powered analytics and DevOps (Release & Deploy products).

Mei Lin

Mei Lin

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Bio:

Mei Lin is a dynamic project management professional who excels in uniting teams to drive value in her role, which spans notable tenures at Microsoft and Texas Capital Bank. Her professional ethos is marked by a blend of efficiency and empathy, dedicating her days to connecting project teams and her heart to fostering positivity and kindness. This unique blend empowers her to inspire and uplift future leaders. She complements Mei’s expertise as a Gen AI Champion AZ AI 900 certification in 2022, and her practical experience with tools like Gen AI and Microsoft CoPilot, making her a valuable guide for project managers seeking to integrate cutting-edge AI technology into their workflows.

As the author of “Mommy is a Project Manager,” she actively works towards breaking down gender biases and motivating change-makers from all walks of life.

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Panel: Strategies for Landing Your Next Project: Branding, Networking and Professional Presence
Davidson Auditorium

Abstract

Join for an engaging and dynamic session featuring a distinguished panel of experts as they delve into the art of marketing yourself effectively, whether you’re looking to excel in your current position or advance to your next role. This interactive discussion will provide you with invaluable insights into the latest strategies for personal branding, networking like a professional, and gaining recognition for your exceptional skills and capabilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical advice and actionable tips that will empower you to stand out in today’s competitive landscape and achieve your professional goals with confidence.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify communication techniques for effective branding, which can be applied to projects, companies or individuals
  • Understand methods to effectively communicate the unique qualities or strengths of projects or individuals
  • Review how these communication strategies can be applied to improve personal interview skills or when interviewing others for project teams

PMI Triangle: Ways of Working – 1 PDU


Panelists:

Laurie Sutherlin

Laurie Sutherlin

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Bio:

Laurie Sutherlin has 17 years of staffing experience. She has acted as a recruiter, sales executive and has driven millions of dollars revenue consistently throughout her career. She has managed and lead teams; streamlined operations adding efficiencies to the onboarding and invoicing process. Her passion is understanding her client’s needs, helping candidates become their best and delivering impeccable customer service. Her 8 years of tenure at System Soft Technologies has enabled her to put together one of the strongest recruiting teams available! She services clients locally and worldwide. System Soft Technologies is 25 years in business, a global IT Staffing company with multiple offices in the U.S., nearshore and offshore.

Jeff Stewart

Jeff Stewart

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Bio:

Jeff Stewart, FACHE, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at CHRISTUS Health, is a leader in healthcare marketing, launching initiatives that have improved the organization’s market presence, digital experience and brand equity. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff is deeply committed to nurturing talent, overseeing a team that excels in innovation and efficiency. His leadership has centralized marketing operations and fostering a culture of excellence. An acclaimed speaker, he brings to the panel a wealth of experience in branding, networking, and building professional presence, demonstrating his role as a strategist and as a mentor who elevates those around him.

Suzette Plaisance Bryan

Suzette Plaisance Bryan

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Bio:

Suzette Plaisance Bryan, Ph.D., SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP has an extensive background in human resources, leadership development, and corporate training and development. A former tenured college professor teaching organizational communication courses to both undergraduate and graduate students, Suzette has presented at numerous conferences, including ones in Athens, Greece; Belfast, Ireland; and Vevey, Switzerland. Her work has been published by the Consortium for the Study of Emotional Intelligence in Organizations. She has published book chapters and articles in academic and professional journals and is co-author of Scripts and Communication for Relationships published by Peter Lang Publishing. Suzette worked as head of training for a large organization in Dallas, for Nestle’ Health Science as a leadership and organizational development specialist and for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana as a leadership development consultant. She completed a six-month program in the Foundations of Neuroleadership, earning a Certificate of Distinction. She presently instructs in the Executive Master’s Program in the Jindal School of Business, and develops and facilitates corporate leadership programs.

www.linkedin.com/in/suzettepbryan/

Mohun Sundar

Mohun Sundar

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Bio:

Mohun Sundar has been a member of PMI Dallas since 2013. He is a certified PMP, PMI-ACP, and PMI-RMP. He has 10+ years of experience in healthcare project management working with business and IT groups to achieve successful outcomes. In addition, he earned his Distinguished Toastmaster certification through the PMI Dallas Toastmasters club. Currently, he works as a senior program manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

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Download 2023 Speaker Papers and Slides

Madan Birla

Madan Birla

Former FEDEX executive

Project Management: A Proven Path to Making a Difference and Getting Promoted.

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Jenna Covington

Jenna Covington

Executive Director and General Manager, North Texas Municipal Water District.

Prior to this role she worked at CH2M Hill as a VP, Client Portfolio Manager, and Project Manager

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Anne Guevara

Anne Guevara

Senior Director, Program Excellence, BAE Systems

Decision making under uncertainty is the bane of every PMs existence – especially during project and program design (both selection and planning). But imagine if you could achieve clarity on the risk-based outcomes for any decision event. Imagine your personal PM assistant advising you on the range of outcomes for any given decision or profiling the inherent risk of those decisions. Enter in Augmented Intelligence for Program Design – leveraging the capabilities of artificial intelligence while retaining the human-in-the-loop to prevent errant or biased decision-making that may result in program performance erosion. Anne explores the vast and varied application of Artificial Intelligence in the products and services many of us use every day and imagines the art of the possible for leveraging Augmented Intelligence to improve program design decision-making.

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Stephen Kiser

Stephen Kiser

Regional Economist, FDIC Division of Insurance and Research

He will speak on how the economic outlook is relevant to project managers from diverse companies. As an part-time lecturer, he teaches several courses at UT Dallas including “International Business Management” and “Business Economics” in our EMBA programs

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Download 2022 Speaker Papers and Slides

link to watch Scott Ambler video on YouTube

Scott Ambler – Tuesday, May 17 at 8 a.m.

Vice President, Chief Scientist Disciplined Agile

From Project Management Office to Value Delivery Office: How PMOs Need to Evolve

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Abstract

Many organizations are evolving their Project Management Office (PMO) into a Value Delivery Office (VDO), also called a Value Management Office (VMO). This session explores what this means, why this is happening, and how you can go about this in a safe and timely manner. We will address several critical questions: How is a VDO different from a PMO? What does this mean for project management, for portfolio management, and for governance? How will you approach budgeting and estimation? What is a value stream, and how do they fit in?

Biography

Scott is the Vice President, Chief Scientist of Disciplined Agile at Project Management Institute. Scott leads the evolution of the Disciplined Agile (DA) tool kit and is an international keynote speaker. Scott is the (co)-creator of the Disciplined Agile (DA) tool kit as well as the Agile Modeling (AM) and Agile Data (AD) methodologies. He is the (co-)author of several books, including Choose Your WoW!, An Executive’s Guide to the Disciplined Agile Framework, Refactoring Databases, Agile Modeling, Agile Database Techniques, and The Object Primer 3rd Edition. Scott blogs regularly at ProjectManagement.com and he can be contacted via pmi.org.

Scott Ambler on Twitter
Scott Ambler on LinkedIn

Video

link to watch Anthony Reed video on YouTube

Anthony Reed – Wednesday, May 18 at 8 a.m.

Transforming from a Project Manager to a Mental Marathoner: The New Type T Manager

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Abstract

What characteristics do entrepreneurs and managers (positive), sociopaths (negative), thinkers (mental), and endurance and extreme sports athletes (physical) have in common? They are Type T personalities. They are thrill seekers and risk takers. Learn how a world history making, hall of fame marathoner, triathlete, and certified distance coach used the Type T principles to earn four college degrees and transform his project team members into mental marathoners. They learned to take risks, to stay agile and flexible in an ever changing environment, and to expanding their comfort zones while embracing new techniques and technologies.

Biography

Mr. Anthony Reed, a UT Dallas MS accounting graduate, is a multi-dimensional Type T personality. He’s an international business executive with over 30 years of experience managing project teams for Fortune 500 companies and governmental entities. He’s also a 132-time, history-making, and hall of fame marathon runner and certified distance running coach. Most recently, he combined his international business expertise and running experiences to organize the Caribbean Endurance Sports Corporation’s Five Island Challenge – Marathon and Half Marathon. He’s been featured in the business, IT, travel, and sports sections of major newspapers and publications across the country. This includes the PMI Today, Dallas Morning News, Runner’s World, Southern Living, PMI Today, and the Journal of Accountancy. He has authored five books and over 50 articles. His articles have appeared in ComputerWorld, Datamation, Career Focus, and Runner’s World magazines. His latest book is Running to Leadership: What Finishing 100+ Marathons On All Seven Continents Teaches Us About Success (second edition). He produced and directed the feature-length documentary, Breaking Three Hours: Trailblazing African-American Women Marathoners. He even contributed to soundtrack. The music video is on the website. He completed his autobiography, From the Road Race to the Rat Race. He has contributed to books by other authors. He was inducted into the RRCA’s National Distance Running Hall of Fame, which includes the country’s top runners.

He holds two graduate (management and accounting) and two undergraduate (management and mathematics) degrees. He’s a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and certified Supply Chain Manager. He served on the Board of Directors for the Oracle Applications Users Group (OAUG), Running USA, the Dallas Marathon, software firms, and various local and international not-for-profit organizations. He’s one of about forty people in the world who completed the marathon hat trick of (1) finishing at least one hundred marathons (2) on all seven continents and (3) fifty states. This included the frigid Antarctica, Kenya’s dangerous Lewa SafriCom, and China’s Great Wall Marathons. Subsequently, his journeys were chronicled in his book, Running Shoes Are Cheaper Than Insulin: Marathon Adventures On All Seven Continents.

Video

link to watch J Kent Harmon video on YouTube

J Kent Harmon – Wednesday, May 18 at 9:30 a.m.

It’s the Decisions! How to increase project success with Set-Based Project Planning

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Abstract

Before Gantt charts, before resource planning, before cost projections and budget, before risk mitigation plans, and before Project Plan Approval there are Decisions. At the highest level we are very cognizant of the trade-off decisions between Scope, Schedule, and Resources. But within those broad categories are hundreds of smaller trade-off decisions that must be made, with their interactions having large downstream consequences that are not easily seen and understood at the time the decisions are made.

Set Based Concurrent Engineering, a decision-making strategy for situations of high complexity and uncertainty, concurrently evaluates all alternatives to inter-related decisions and eliminates those that are demonstratively infeasible of achieving the objectives based on visible knowledge. Having realized substantial benefits from this approach in engineering, organizations are now beginning to apply the set-based thinking, practices and tools to project planning and product portfolio management. This session will introduce the emerging methodology of Set Based Project Planning, the underlying principles, the current best practices and tools, and explore some examples of its applications. It will leave you with some new ways of thinking about early decision making in projects and some simple guidance on how to improve the quality of those decisions…and better assure the success of your projects.

Biography

J Kent Harmon is a recognized thought leader in the practice and implementation of Set-Based Concurrent Engineering. He presently serves as a Vice President with Targeted Convergence Corporation, a firm specializing in improving product development performance based on the methodologies in Michael Kennedy’s book Product Development for the Lean Enterprise.

Over the past two decades with Targeted Convergence Corporation, Mr. Harmon has coached and trained over 50 research and development organizations across a broad range of industries to over 2X increased productivity on their product development projects. His prior twenty-plus years’ experience in product development, from individual contributor to executive at Texas Instruments provided a foundational understanding that enables him to work with engineers and managers to find practical, meaningful, and achievable paths to improved engineering project productivity.

He holds a BS in Engineering Physics and an MS in Engineering Management. His formal education has been supplemented with additional training in Project Management, Cycle Time Reduction in Manufacturing and Product Development, Statistical Process Control, Design for Six Sigma, Design of Experiments, Strategic Assessment of Markets, and Total Quality Management. The Product Development Management Association certified Mr. Harmon as a New Product Development Professional in 2000.

Video

Download 2019 Speaker Papers and Slides

Click on talk title or thumbnail image to view video, if video is available.

Kari Maribal speaking at the 2019 PM Symposium

Kari Mirabal

The Connection Coach

N.A.K.E.D Networking (video not available)

Tuesday, May 21st • 3:30 p.m. ‐ 4:45 p.m.

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Abstract

Welcome to N.A.K.E.D NETWORKING, a new way to “expose” yourself to new business (and life) possibilities. Today’s competitive marketplace demands results and a powerful circle of influence can help you achieve your objectives. However, it’s easy to make excuses not to network or let yourself be fearful of the vulnerability-first attitude necessary to reach your goals. The easy-to-remember N.A.K.E.D. acronym explores this fear, how to overcome it, and how you can build and maintain professional networks to experience huge breakthroughs.

Explore how N.A.K.E.D NETWORKING can help you shift your intention of getting ahead into real-world action. Get ready to interact with Kari through real world success stories, in-presentation polls, and have some fun along the way with this high-energy presentation that’s guaranteed to leave an impression!

Biography

Kari Mirabal, The Connection Coach, leads you to people, opportunity, ad profit. She is a Former IT recruiting company owner who challenges audiences to leverage the power of connection to build and maintain powerful professional networks. Kari has coached individuals and teams in several Fortune 500 companies, has appeared on multiple television networks sharing her knowledge, and has even given a TEDx presentation in early 2018.

With her signature humor, bold approach, and unmistakable gumption, Kari keeps audiences engaged and encourages people to think differently. With decades of professional networking experience, and managing large teams this former IT recruiter shares her many successes and failures to give audiences a new perspective on taking risks, connection innovations, and the power of positive thinking.

For audiences that are brave enough to accept the challenge, Kari gives them actionable tactics to employ in their daily life.

link to watch Travis Kelly video on YouTube

Travis Kelly

Vice President, External Relations, Texas Central Partners, LLC

Riding the Rails to Success

Wednesday, May 22nd • 9:30 a.m. ‐ 10:45 a.m.

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Abstract

The design, construction, finance and operation of the state’s new high-speed passenger train line connecting Dallas and greater Houston is being overseen by Texas Central. The train, once fully operational, will connect these two great urban areas in just 90 minutes of travel time, with one stop in the Brazos Valley area.
Using the safest and most efficient mass transportation technology in the world, Texas Central will deploy the Shinkansen N700-I Bullet Train. This train has operated for more than 50 years in Japan with a perfect record of no crashes and zero passenger fatalities or injuries from train accidents. This project will not rely on taxpayer grants and may serve as the model for future infrastructure projects.

Biography

A native Texan and graduate of Baylor University, Mr. Kelly is engaged in a number of transportation policy initiatives on behalf of the public and private sector clients of Dean International, Inc. Serving as the lead consultant to the Boards of Directors of both the Texas High-Speed Rail and Transportation Corporation and the South Central High-Speed Rail and Transportation Authority, Inc., Mr. Kelly is actively involved in monitoring and impacting emerging high-speed rail policies at the federal and state levels.

link to watch Mike Wheeler video on YouTube

Mike Wheeler

Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Chief Procurement Officer
Fluor Corporation

Project Management from Consulting to Construction

Tuesday, May 21st • 8:15 a.m. ‐ 9:30 a.m.

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Abstract

Risk and unknowable’s are part of every project, whether it’s managing a business process re-engineering project or a multi billion-dollar capital project. Getting your project successfully through the volatility, complexity and ambiguity requires clarity and purpose. We’ll talk about the tools and skills needed for you to deliver excellence.

Biography

Mike W. Wheeler is the Chief Procurement Officer for Fluor’s Supply Chain organization. He is responsible for procurement, contract management, material management, sourcing, travel services, logistics and export control for all Fluor business lines globally. He also has oversight of Fluor’s supply chain entity which is dedicated to selling quality, cost‐effective, stand‐ alone procurement services to midstream‐market clients. A key aspect of this includes Supply Chain’s sourcing solutions, which utilizes strategic supplier relationships in various emerging markets, including China and India.

Wheeler has over thirty-five years of professional experience, including significant time spent in executive management consulting roles for the energy, construction and telecommunication industries. A portion of this time includes running his own consulting business, MW Wheeler & Associates located out of Dallas, Texas, which served the energy industry for supply chain management, operations and maintenance, capital optimization and business process reengineering. In business, Wheeler values driving tangible and sustainable results that influence improved operation capabilities and enhanced performance.

In a previous role, Wheeler successfully led the procurement and contracting transformation for Reliance Industries Ltd., executed out of Mumbai, India. His portfolio includes leadership experience from various international companies that represent a wide range of industries – including A.T. Kearney, Gemini, CSC and Boeing – allowing Wheeler to bestow a wealth of industry knowledge and a global mindset to Fluor’s Supply Chain organization.

Wheeler earned his bachelor’s degree in business and computer science from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Wheeler was a board member and chairperson for the Dallas Arts District Friends for over 6 years, where he promoted the arts in downtown Dallas. He has chaired fundraising committees for United Way and Boys and Girls Club of America. Wheeler is a Boys and Girls Club of America National Trustee for the Southwest Region and a member of the University of Texas at Dallas Dean’s Advisory Council for the Jindal School of Management.

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link to watch Stacey Cellier video on YouTube

Stacey Cellier

Vice President, Project Management Operations
Solis Mammography

Legos and Mousetraps – Avoiding Common PM Pitfalls

Wednesday, May 22nd • 8:00 a.m. ‐ 9:15 a.m.

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Abstract

Take an amusing journey through some cringe-worthy moments and lessons learned the hard way on the path to becoming a project management leader in a VUCA world. You will learn how to recognize the flypaper practices that will hold you back as a project manager and PMO leader through true stories and experiences, understand how to be the “in demand” service in your organization, and hear the keys to developing relationships with your stakeholders that will last. Stacey will cover topics such as:

  • How to Wreck a Client Relationship in 3 Easy Steps
  • I Solved the Wrong Problem – Yay Me!
  • And, I have 49 Process Areas and I’m not Afraid to Use Them!

Stacey is currently leading a new EPMO in a healthcare system, overseeing all areas of project management in the organization, including joint venture partnership integrations, opening dozens of new facilities per year, and execution of the organizational strategic plan. With a background in both hands-on project management and PMO leadership, her project management experience ranges from eight-figure process and technology system change initiatives to construction and real estate projects to global product security projects. Her session will have a little something for everyone, especially if you have stepped on any of the same Legos or mousetraps in your career.

Biography

With over 20 years of experience in project management, operations, and business development, Stacey is a passionate leader and advocate for the impact a strong project management culture can have on an organization – especially in the rapidly changing world of healthcare. Armed with expertise in stabilizing start-up organizations and establishing PMOs, in her current role as Vice President, Project Management Operations at Solis Mammography, she is responsible for execution of the company’s strategic growth plan.

Stacey’s leadership positions have included serving as Executive Committee member of the North American Security Products Organization (NASPO), where she directed a sub-committee on developing evaluation standards for anti-counterfeiting technologies, as well as numerous local non-profit board positions. She also founded the project management office for Invitation Homes, an $8B real estate and property management company, and established and led project management offices for companies in brand security and Fortune 200 healthcare.

Stacey holds a PMP credential from the Project Management Institute, a Master Certification in Applied Project Management from Villanova University, a BS in Business Management from Western Governors University, and is currently pursuing an MBA through the UT Dallas Project Management Program.

Download Stacy Cellier Slides

link to watch Carl Youngberg video on YouTube

Carl Youngberg

Talent America

Make Yourself Matter Building Trust

Wednesday, May 22nd • 1:00 p.m. ‐ 2:15 p.m.

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Abstract

Trust lies at the heart of a functioning, cohesive team. No matter the task they face, there must be two factors as determined by Patrick Lencioni.

  1. A willingness to be completely vulnerable with one another
  2. Confidence among team members that their peers’ intentions are good and that there is no reason to be protective or careful around the team

A good example of trust within a team is knowing that a big team task will not be dumped on your desk late on Friday. Team trust is about thinking of others.

As Project Managers, where is our trust? And how can we build a network of trust within our team.

Biography

Carl Youngberg was born on a farm in Missouri, worked in a prison while in graduate school and served in the Peace Corps where he taught at the University of Honduras. He then began twenty-five years in luxury retail first at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and across the country before joining Neiman Marcus in Dallas.

Today, as a professional speaker, published author, and executive coach, Carl regularly presents programs and workshops to help business people make their ideas matter. He has found that all his life experiences have helped in his professional work and as a coach.

Carl believes that nothing we have done in our lives is wasted. Everything has a purpose. His book “Make Yourself Matter” pulls on the experiences in the session and focuses them on where to go next. This newest chapter, “Building Trust” continues that theme.

Download 2018 Speaker Papers and Slides

link to watch  James W. Keyes  video on YouTube

James W. Keyes

Chairman, Wild Oats Marketing LLC

Leading the Innovation Process

Thursday, May 17th • 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

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Abstract

Too often, innovation becomes a management “to do” item. A team is formed and tasked with “innovate”. The best innovation doesn’t come from “managing” the innovation process, but rather leading the innovation process.

Leadership 100%

Biography

James W. Keyes is currently the Chairman of Wild Oats Marketing LLC and formerly chief executive to two Fortune 500 companies, Blockbuster Inc. and 7-Eleven, Inc.

Keyes served from 2007-2011 as chairman and chief executive officer of Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI), one of the world’s leading providers of movie and game entertainment with reported worldwide revenues of over $5 billion and more than 7,000 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. At Blockbuster, he was able to diversify the offering to provide the Blockbuster customer access to their favorite movies in store, by mail, in kiosks and via the internet with Blockbuster OnDemand. He led a restructuring of the company and the successful sale of assets to Dish Networks, preserving over 19,000 jobs and providing continuity for the Blockbuster brand, its customers and its suppliers.

A 21-year veteran of 7-Eleven Inc., (NYSE: SEI) the world’s largest chain of convenience stores, Keyes served as its president and CEO from 2000 through 2005. Under his leadership, the company experienced record sales and profits and implemented new retail systems technology that improved product assortment decisions in every store. He also ushered in a new era for 7-Eleven through the introduction of a host of new electronic services. Prior to serving as president and CEO, Keyes held a variety of positions at 7-Eleven, including chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Keyes retired from 7-Eleven upon the sale of the company in 2005.

Keyes graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, attended the University of London and earned an MBA from Columbia University.

He has served on numerous public and private boards and civic organizations including the Dallas Regional Chamber, the Dallas Citizens Council, and the Dallas Center for Performing Arts and served as Chairman of The Dallas Symphony Association. He recently completed a 9 year term on the national board of governors for the American Red Cross. Keyes currently serves as a member of the Board of Overseers of the Columbia School of Business and also serves on the boards of the Dallas Education Foundation and the Cooper Institute. A recipient of the Horatio Alger Award in 2005 and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2008, Keyes was also the founder of the Education is Freedom foundation, which provides college scholarships for hard-working young students.

link to watch Chris Bhatti video on YouTube

Chris Bhatti

Assistant Dean, Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas

Leveraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship Across Academic and Programmatic Environments to Foster Cross-border Communications

Thursday, May 17th • 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

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Abstract

UT Dallas is leading the field of entrepreneurship with Blackstone Launchpad; a specialized institute at the university that promotes cross-disciplinary academic and startup programs for students, faculty, staff, and entrepreneurial community. Blackstone Launchpad’s priorities include venture capitalizations for university research and launching new businesses founded by UT Dallas students, staff and faculty. You will learn how Blackstone Launchpad manages the intensely competitive field of entrepreneurship, venture capitalism, and how venture capitalism has exploded internationally.

Leadership .50, Strategic and Business Management .50

Biography

Chris Bhatti is Assistant Dean for the Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas and responsible for executing the development, alumni relations and external relations strategy for the school. Prior to his current role, Chris was also the Director of External and Alumni Relations in the Office of the Dean at SMU’s Simmons School of Education. Chris was an integral part of the Simmons School Campaign that brought in the largest single gift in SMU’s 100 year history. Prior to SMU, Chris was a Science Instructor at The Hockaday School where he spent six years in the classroom teaching science and coaching Cross Country and track and field.

Chris is an entrepreneur. In 2013, he co-founded Vissero Group, LLC, a global and diversified consulting firm focused on cross border transactions specific to real estate investments and successfully exited the company. In 2005, Chris founded a tutoring company, Mindful Learning, LLC, which worked in Dallas ISD and other school districts. In 2010, Chris successfully executed the sale of the company. Chris served as a Board Member to Group Excellence, the largest tutoring company in Dallas and 18th fastest growing company in D/FW in 2010 which was eventually sold to a local private equity firm.

Chris is extensively involved in his community. He is on the Board of Trustees for the Dallas Education Foundation, IGNITE, and Educational Opportunities. He is currently on the TREC Advisory Board and the Leadership Dallas Program Committee. He serves on the SMU Alumni Board and Advisory Board for the SMU Hegi Career Development Center. He is the Advisory Board President for the Mayor’s Star Council has also been appointed by the Mayor’s Office to the City of Dallas Poverty Task Force and the City of Dallas Grow South Advisory Council. Chris is a Leadership Dallas Alum, member of the Dallas Assembly and a Presidential Leadership Scholar.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University, a Master’s in Teaching from The University of Texas at Dallas, a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Southern Methodist University.

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Bryan Chambers

Director, Blackstone LaunchPad

Leveraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship Across Academic and Programmatic Environments to Foster Cross-border Communications

Thursday, May 17th • 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

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Abstract

UT Dallas is leading the field of entrepreneurship with Blackstone Launchpad; a specialized institute at the university that promotes cross-disciplinary academic and startup programs for students, faculty, staff, and entrepreneurial community. Blackstone Launchpad’s priorities include venture capitalizations for university research and launching new businesses founded by UT Dallas students, staff and faculty. You will learn how Blackstone Launchpad manages the intensely competitive field of entrepreneurship, venture capitalism, and how venture capitalism has exploded internationally.

Leadership .50, Strategic and Business Management .50

Biography

Mr. Chambers is a business development and investment professional experienced in portfolio management and venture capital transactions. Bryan is the Director of Blackstone’s Launchpad for the University of Texas at Dallas where he advises students, entrepreneurs, and early stage ventures. Bryan also serves as the Director of the UT Dallas Seed Fund and an adjunct professor for UTD’s top twenty ranked entrepreneurship department where he leads experiential learning for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Since 2012 Bryan has been the President of Chambers Venture Capital, LLC and has been responsible for managing early stage venture capital investments in the internet and software technology sectors, as well as advisory services to various domestic and international institutional investment partners. Mr. Chambers has experience building successful investment partnerships and working in high growth businesses environments including ReachLocal Inc. once ranked one of the fastest growing #1 Deloitte Fast 500, #39 Inc. Fast 500, and achieved a successful IPO in May 2010. Previously, Bryan was the Director of Corporate Development for a mobile payments company where he led the teams fundraising, strategy, and enterprise partnerships including Apple, Microsoft, PayPal, and VeriFone, and an Associate Partner for a merchant banking firm in Dallas, TX where he successfully completed numerous transactions in the financial technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. Bryan is a Partner at Capital Factory, Executive Advisor to TechWeek, and an Engagement Director of the US China Investment and Innovation Summit. Chambers received his MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington.

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Angela Chen

Director of International Investor Relations, Chalak Mitra Group of Companies

Leveraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship Across Academic and Programmatic Environments to Foster Cross-border Communications

Thursday, May 17th • 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

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Abstract

UT Dallas is leading the field of entrepreneurship with Blackstone Launchpad; a specialized institute at the university that promotes cross-disciplinary academic and startup programs for students, faculty, staff, and entrepreneurial community. Blackstone Launchpad’s priorities include venture capitalizations for university research and launching new businesses founded by UT Dallas students, staff and faculty. You will learn how Blackstone Launchpad manages the intensely competitive field of entrepreneurship, venture capitalism, and how venture capitalism has exploded internationally.

Leadership .50, Strategic and Business Management .50

Biography

Angela Chen is the Director of International Investor Relations at Chalak Mitra Group of Companies. She is also the Vice President and Co-founder of Golden Fields (US) Holdings Corp, a real estate investment firm in Dallas.

She specializes in international investor relations and foreign capital management. She has facilitated cross border transactions between the U.S. and China, India, Canada and Australia. Prior to joining Chalak Mitra Group, Angela was the Vice President of Investor Relations at FIG Tree Capital Ventures and Market Analyst at Encore Enterprise. Since 2012, Ms. Chen has organized and co-hosted many U.S. – China Investment Summits, focusing on cross border investment and technology transfer, where she has helped to provide platforms and solutions to companies from China and the United States, and has successfully raised millions of dollars of foreign investment capital used in the development of distressed areas in U.S. and the creation of hundreds of jobs.

Ms. Chen currently serves as the President of the Chinese Association of Science and Technology Texas Chapter, and is a founding member of the Chinese Alumni Network at University of Texas at Dallas. She received her MBA degree in Finance and Real Estate at The University of Texas at Dallas, and Bachelor Degree in Finance from University of Macau.

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Robert S. Kaplan

President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Economic Conditions and Key Challenges Facing the U.S. Economy

Friday, May 18th • 8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

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Abstract

Mr. Kaplan will be discussing his experiences on corporate boards and foundations as it relates to innovation. In addition, he will share his views on the economy in Texas, the United States and the world. Additionally, Mr. Kaplan will discuss leadership lessons learned on the journey to becoming the 13th president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and answer questions about present day economic conditions and long-term challenges, the role and impact of the Federal Reserve System, and implications for project managers involved with capital innovation projects. As project managers, we have an obligation to our clients, peers and superiors to hold ourselves to a high standard of ethical conduct. But what does that really mean?

Leadership .50, Strategic and Business Management .50

Biography

Robert Steven Kaplan has served as the thirteenth president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas since September 8, 2015. He represents the Eleventh Federal Reserve District on the Federal Open Market Committee in the formulation of U.S. monetary policy and oversees the 1,200 employees of the Dallas Fed.

Kaplan was previously the Martin Marshall Professor of Management Practice and a Senior Associate Dean at Harvard Business School.

He is the author of several books, including What You Really Need to Lead: The Power of Thinking and Acting Like an Owner; What You’re Really Meant To Do: A Road Map for Reaching Your Unique Potential; and What to Ask the Person in the Mirror: Critical Questions for Becoming a More Effective Leader and Reaching Your Potential.

Prior to joining Harvard in 2006, Kaplan was vice chairman of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. with global responsibility for the firm’s Investment Banking and Investment Management Divisions. Previously, he served as global co-head of the Investment Banking Division. He was also a member of the firm’s Management Committee and served as co-chairman of the firm’s Partnership Committee and chairman of the Goldman Sachs Pine Street Leadership Program.

During his 23-year career at Goldman Sachs, Kaplan served in various other capacities, including head of the Corporate Finance Department, head of Asia-Pacific Investment Banking as well as head of the high-yield department in Investment Banking. He became a partner in 1990. Upon joining Harvard in 2006, Kaplan became a senior director of the firm.

He serves as chairman of Project A.L.S. and co-chairman of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, a global venture philanthropy firm that invests in developing non-profit enterprises dedicated to addressing social issues. He is also a board member of Harvard Medical School. Kaplan previously served on the boards of State Street Corporation, Harvard Management Company, Bed Bath & Beyond and Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. He was also a trustee of the Ford Foundation, co-founding board chair of the TEAK Fellowship, co-founder and chairman of Indaba Capital Management, LP and chairman of the Investment Advisory Committee at Google, Inc.

Kaplan was appointed by the Governor of Kansas as a member of the Kansas Health Policy Authority Board.

Born and raised in Prairie Village, Kansas, Kaplan received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.

link to watch Jayadev Gopinath  video on YouTube

Jayadev Gopinath

General Manager, Advanced Tech, Platforms, Innovation, Data & Analytics, Toyota Motor North America

Driving Innovation in the Digital Economy

Friday May 18th • 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

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Abstract

Jayadev Gopinath, will explain how Connected Technologies including Connected Car and Connected Factories are impacting the Automotive Industry and how Toyota North America is leveraging these trends and the resulting data/analytics to drive innovation and efficiency allowing Toyota to have closer connection with its customers, dealers, and partners.

Leadership 100%

Biography

Jayadev (Jay) Gopinath is General Manager – Advanced Technologies, Innovation, Data & Analytics for Toyota Motor North America. In this role, he is responsible for enabling technology, data and analytics to drive innovation and efficiency allowing Toyota to have closer connection with its customers, dealers, and partners. Towards this, he is deeply involved in a number of initiatives such as Customer 360, Manufacturing Analytics, IOT, Product Quality Analytics and Connected Car.

Jay has been with Toyota for 10 years. Prior to joining Toyota, Jay spent more than nine years with Hitachi Consulting where he oversaw the development and management of the Southern California and Arizona practices as a key member of the Pacific South West Leadership Team. Jay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the National Institute of Technology in India and a MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business.

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Keynote Speakers

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Nellson Burns

Vice President, Information Technology HollyFrontier

Eric Stettler

Partner, A.T. Kearney

Building a Strategic PMO: How HollyFrontier Accelerated Their Corporate Growth Strategy Using Industry Best Practices

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Karen Nocket

Vice President, Enterprise Services Toyota Motors North America

Practical Basics for Standing Up A Project

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link to watch Eric Bennett, CFA, CPA video on YouTube

Eric Bennett, CFA, CPA

Executive Director, Brain Performance Institute

Your Brain Performance

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Keynote Speakers

link to watch David Hudson video on YouTube

David Hudson

FAIM, MAIPM, MIPMA, CPPD

The Human Capital Challenge for Projects

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link to watch William A Moylan video on YouTube

William A Moylan

PhD, PMP, PMI Board of Directors 2008‐2013

Capturing the Value of Project Management

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link to watch Nikunj Nirmal video on YouTube

Nikunj Nirmal

Director (IT) & Shadow Board Member, Tech Mahindra

Agile and DevOpsTransformation

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Keynote Speakers

link to watch Wes Hargrove video on YouTube

Wes Hargrove

Senior vice president and chief information officer, 7-Eleven, Inc.

Continuous Improvement at 7-Eleven, Inc.

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link to watch Michael DePrisco video on YouTube

Michael DePrisco

VP of Academic & Education Programs – PMI

Pulse of the Profession

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Andrew Bragg

Chief executive (APM),Vice-President (IPMA)

The Value of Project Professionalism

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link to watch David Harvey video on YouTube

David Harvey

Senior Director of Network Planning and Performance, Southwest Airlines

Leading Change at Southwest Airlines

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Keynote Speakers

link to watch Russell Zapalac video on YouTube

Russell Zapalac

Chief Planning and Project Officer, Texas Department of Transportation

Lessons Learned on Delivery of Major Projects Throughout Texas

link to watch CJ Walker Waite video on YouTube

CJ Walker Waite

Director, Project Management Institute

The Value of Project Management for Society, Organizations and the Practitioner

link to watch Jesus Martinez Almela video on YouTube

Jesus Martinez Almela

Vice President for Education, International Project Management Association

Project Management Symposium – Cultural Impact on Stakeholder Engagement

link to watch Walter Jones video on YouTube

Walter Jones

Senior Vice President Parkland Hospital System

Mike Candler, PMP, TCDD, LEED AP

Project Manager, TEECOM

The New Parkland Hospital IT Implementation Project

link to watch Sean Goff video on YouTube

Sean Goff

Managing Director CBRE

Christine Seay

Senior Financial Analyst CBRE

Quantifying Value Creation for Our Clients

Symposium Partners

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