December 2025 Newsletter

As the year winds down and the holiday lights go up, it’s a great time to reflect on the projects we’ve delivered and the lessons we’ve learned. December is more than a month of celebration - it’s a chance to set the stage for an even stronger year ahead. In this month's newsletter, discover ways to stay connected, sharpen your skills, and start 2026 with confidence!

The President's Corner

President’s Blog: 2025 Year in Review: Delivering Value to Our Members

In his last blog post of 2025, Chapter President Rodney Wentlandt takes a thoughtful look back at a year filled with growth, learning, and connection. From professional development programs and mentoring opportunities to community engagement and volunteer leadership, Rodney highlights how our chapter delivered value to members throughout the year - and shares what’s ahead for 2026. Don’t miss his full reflections and vision for the future. Read the complete post here.

2025 PMI Madison Executive Board Election Results

Thank you to all members who participated in this year’s election! We’re excited to announce that all candidates were unanimously approved. Congratulations to Melissa Parrett (Vice President of Governance), Andrew Bobek (Vice President of Finance), Jeremy Hach (Vice President of Professional Development), and Rodney Wentlandt (President). Your leadership will help guide our chapter into another successful year!

Ready to make a difference? Volunteering is your chance to grow your skills, expand your network, and help shape the future of our chapter. Every hour you give creates impact - on your career and on our community. Step up and join us today! Learn more and get involved here.

Start Strong, Finish Ahead: Your PMP Journey Begins Now

February 11 2026 - April 29 2026

Every Wednesday Evening from 6:00 - 9:00PM

There’s never been a better time to earn your PMP certification—and we’re here to help you succeed with confidence. Our Spring PMP Exam Prep Course is designed to give you everything you need: expert-led instruction, structured study plans, and proven strategies to help you master the exam using the current PMBOK® Guide - 7th Edition. Why wait for the upcoming changes? Beginning summer 2026, the PMP exam will incorporate PMBOK® - 8th Edition content, adding new material and complexity. By starting now, you’ll position yourself for success under the current framework and avoid the uncertainty of future updates.

Make this your moment. Invest in your career, gain the knowledge you need, and join a supportive community committed to helping you achieve your goals. Early bird registration is open. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward becoming a certified PMP!

Questions about certification? Join PMI Madison's Past President and current Director of Certifications, Keith Thomspon, Certification Open Office Hours, held virtually every second Thursday of the month. These open forums allow for time to both simulate exam prep and open the floor for any questions. Get your questions answered by signing up for office hours here!

Upcoming Office Hours:

Thursday, December 11, 8:00 - 9:00pm

Happening Tomorrow: Free Virtual

Lunch & Learn: Emerging

Cybersecurity Threats

Wednesday, December 10

12:00 - 1:00PM

Online

Free

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it’s an essential part of effective project management. As projects become more interconnected and data-driven, cyber risks can silently affect timelines, budgets, and outcomes.

Featuring Speaker:
Tim Bohn

Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, UW–Madison. With over 25 years of experience in IT and Information Security across military and civilian sectors.

What You’ll Learn
✔️ How cyber threats impact Time, Cost, and Scope
✔️ Practical ways to integrate security early into your project plans
✔️ How to lead effectively when unexpected risks arise

This session will equip project managers with the knowledge they need to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect project outcomes.

Celebrating the Dedicated Service

of Our Chapter Leaders and

Volunteers

As we continue to advance our mission of empowering project professionals across south-central Wisconsin, our chapter’s success is made possible by the countless hours, leadership, and heart contributed by our volunteers. Their commitment strengthens our community, builds continuity, and ensures that our chapter keeps moving forward with purpose.

Today, I’m honored to recognize several individuals whose service has made—and continues to make—a lasting impact on the PMI Madison/South Central Wisconsin Chapter. Each of the leaders highlighted below will be concluding their service and resigning from their current roles effective December 31, 2025, and we are deeply grateful for all they have contributed during their time with us.

🌟 Anjali Sridharan, VP of Outreach

Anjali’s volunteer journey reflects deep dedication to connecting our members, partners, and the broader business community.

Service Highlights (2019–2025):

VP of Outreach (2021–2024)
Past Chapter President (2021)
Chapter President (2020)
President Elect (2019)
PDD Marketing Team Lead (2019)

Across seven years in pivotal leadership roles, Anjali has been instrumental in strengthening our engagement strategy, championing outreach partnerships, and ensuring our chapter remains aligned with PMI’s evolving vision. We are grateful for her service and wish her the very best as she concludes her term.

🌟 Alex Gibson, VP of Membership

Alex has brought energy, strategic vision, and dedication to both our marketing and professional development efforts, helping to shape how our chapter engages with members and delivers value.

Service Highlights (2023–2025):

VP of Membership (2025)
VP of Marketing/ Communication (2024)
VP of Professional Development (2023)

Through his leadership across marketing and professional development, Alex has strengthened our chapter’s programs, enhanced communication channels, and supported the growth and success of our events. We sincerely thank Alex for his contributions and service as he steps away at the end of the year.

🌟 Lindsey Mullarkey, VP of Marketing

Lindsey represents the future of our chapter’s communication strategy—creative, consistent, and member-focused.

Service Highlights (2023–2025):

VP of Marketing (2025)
PDD Marketing Team Lead (2023–2024)

Lindsey’s marketing leadership has enhanced our brand presence, modernized our messaging, and improved how we communicate chapter value to both members and the broader community. Her contributions have made a lasting impact, and we thank her for her service as she steps away at year-end.

🌟 Clay Rehm, Director of Mentorship

Clay’s legacy of service is one of the longest and most influential in our chapter’s history. His dedication to professional growth, mentorship, and education stretches back more than two decades.

Service Highlights (2002–2025):

Director of Mentorship (multiple terms, 2004–2023)
Professional Development Director (2016–2017, 2019–2020, 2020)
Special Projects Director (2013)
PDD Speaker Selection roles (2007–2009)
PMP Prep Instructor (2002–2012 across multiple domains)

Clay has shaped the professional journeys of hundreds of project managers through mentorship, training, and exam preparation. His institutional knowledge and readiness to serve wherever needed have been invaluable. We thank him for his exceptional long-term service.

🌟 Nicole Brey, Member Relations Coordinator

Nicole has been a welcoming and supportive presence for the newest additions to our PMI community.

Service Highlights (2023–2025):

Member Relations Coordinator (2023–2025)
PDD On-Site Volunteer (2023)

By leading New Member Orientation, Nicole has played a key role in creating a positive first experience for members—ensuring they feel informed, engaged, and connected. Her enthusiasm and care for our members will be greatly missed.

🌟 Jian Liu, Member Satisfaction & Growth Analyst
Jian represents a new wave of data-driven volunteer leadership focused on elevating the member experience.

Service Highlights:

Member Satisfaction & Growth Analyst (2025)
Supported Professional Development Day (PDD) through extensive coordination, including preparing speaker agreements, managing speaker materials and artifacts, and conducting detailed registration data analysis
Provided transportation assistance for multiple PDD speakers and volunteers, helping ensure smooth logistics leading up to and during the event

Although Jian’s time in this role has been brief, Jian’s analytical mindset, collaborative spirit, and willingness to support the chapter in meaningful ways have strengthened our approach to both member engagement and event operations. We are grateful for the dedication and energy Jian has brought to the chapter.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Our chapter is strong because of volunteers like Anjali, Lindsey, Clay, Nicole, and Jian—individuals who step forward, give generously of their time, and help create an environment of continuous learning and connection. As each of them concludes their service on December 31, 2025, we extend our deepest gratitude for their leadership and the lasting legacy they leave behind.

Stay connected with us for upcoming events and programs, and let’s take the momentum built this year and continue our learning, growth, and success together into 2026 and beyond!

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