Palmetto Chapter September Newsletter 
Member Spotlight
Member Name - Chirag Panchal
Member Since - March, 2026
What do you think sets you apart in your field?
It is rare to find a professional with a combination of multicultural exposure, international experience, multidisciplinary expertise, and diverse academic qualifications. My educational background includes an engineering degree, an MBA in Management, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which complements my technical and business acumen.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work across several industries, including power generation, mining, electrical equipment manufacturing, and, currently, critical infrastructure solutions for data centers that support the rapidly growing demand for AI technologies. This breadth of experience has provided me with a unique perspective that bridges engineering, business strategy, project management, product management, and operational execution.
The combination of my diverse industry experience, global exposure, and professional qualifications sets me apart and enables me to contribute effectively in a wide range of environments. Colleagues have affectionately referred to me as a “Professional for All Seasons,” a compliment that I consider one of the most meaningful recognitions of my career. It reflects my ability to adapt, learn, and deliver value across different industries, cultures, and disciplines.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to connect technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration is increasingly valuable. I take pride in bringing this unique blend of capabilities to every organization I serve and remain committed to continuous learning, innovation, and creating meaningful impact wherever I contribute.
What's something surprising that not many people know about you?
A lesser-known fact about me is that I enjoy riding motorcycles. It may seem unexpected given my professional background, but the experience challenges me to stay focused, disciplined, and adaptable - qualities that also benefit me in my career.
I enjoy reading books that provide a holistic, principle-centered approach to personal and professional effectiveness. I am particularly drawn to works that focus on leadership, continuous improvement, character development, and creating lasting impact in both life and business.
Professional Development
LIVE PMP / CAPM Study Group begins September 8th at 6 PM - Rupert House
This study group is geared toward introducing the PMI PMBOK Principles and Performance Domains to those interested in learning more about project management and those candidates that are preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam or the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam. The course is based on the PMI Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) Eighth Edition.
The Fall group will begin September 8, 2026. The study group meets Tuesdays from 6pm -8 pm, for 12 weekly sessions. Each student should obtain a copy of the study materials: the PMBoK Guide, and Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep.
This PMBOK Study Group Is Available To Chapter Members Only. There Is No Additional Chapter Cost/Fee For Attending The Study Group.
Upcoming Events
Join us on September 17th for our Monthly Meeting Featuring Matthew Oleniuk and on September 24th for Tools of the Trade
Monthly Meeting (VIRTUAL)
September 17, 2026 from 6PM-7:30PM
Presenter: Monthly Meeting (Matthew Oleniuk)
Summary: Matthew works with senior leaders and delivery teams to strengthen how insight, evidence, and judgement shape real decisions. His sessions explore why critical signals are missed, how assumptions go unchallenged, and how information is simplified in ways that reduce understanding. His focus is on helping people intervene earlier – before small misinterpretations compound into visible delivery failures.
Tools of the Trade (VIRTUAL)
September 24, 2026 from 6PM-7:30PM
Topic: “The Fine Art of People Power" - From Adversity to Inspiration
Presenter: Jonathan Michael Bowman, J.D.
Summary: We are excited to invite you to a special PMI virtual leadership event featuring renowned keynote speaker, leadership expert, and CEO of Clear Picture Leadership®, Jonathan Michael Bowman.
Join us for an inspiring session as Jonathan Michael Bowman shares his remarkable personal journey from overcoming poverty and homelessness to becoming an attorney, award-winning leader, entrepreneur, and sought-after leadership speaker. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of vision-driven leadership.
Watch Jonathan's Leadership Talk
Register for all events through the Events tab of the Palmetto Chapter website.
Share Your Journey with Us!
Become Our Next Featured Member!
Would you like to share how PMI has made a positive impact on your life? Do you have advice for others in the project management field? Would you like to nominate someone to share their story?
Why Share Your Story?
Inspire Others: Your story could be the motivation someone else needs.
Connect: Sharing experiences brings our community closer together.
Highlight Your Achievements: Let's celebrate your successes and milestones.
Don't miss this chance to be in the spotlight and make a difference in our community. Your story is important, and we can't wait to hear it!
Email VP Membership, Valerie Welbourn , for more information.
Volunteers
Volunteers Committee
The success of the chapter and our ability to provide high-quality activities is only
achievable with the help of our members as volunteers. By volunteering you will help build a bigger and better chapter through specialized projects (Symposium, etc.), day-to-day operations (finance management, building organizational structure, etc.), and community outreach. As a volunteer servant leader, you will have the opportunity to expand your professional internal network, enhance your leadership skills, earn PDUs, and much more.
Volunteer roles are open to ANY chapter member in good standing.
Sponsorship Officer (Role Level: Executive)
Webmaster (Role Level: Helping Hands)
2027 Symposium Co-Chair (Role Level: Board)
Please welcome our newest volunteers!
- Grant Wooten, Study Group Lead
- Nancy Phipps, 2027 Symposium Helper
- Matt Thomas, 2027 Symposium Helper
Please contact the VP of Volunteers at the following email address for more information: [email protected].
Programs
Log into the Member Area on PMI Palmetto website and follow the instructions in the ProjectBites Sign-Up form under Member Documents. An individual subscription would normally cost you $90 per year, but it is now FREE for our members!!
• ProjectBites presents project management education and inspiration in 20-minute videos from speakers around the world.
• New content is being added weekly.
• Each video comes with a downloadable “Take-Away” PDF available after viewing.
• All the time spent viewing these videos qualifies towards your collection of PDUs. Project Bites tracks your PDU’s for you.
Free PMBOK® Guide
Did you know your PMI® membership enables you to receive a free copy of the PMBOK® Guide?
Email [email protected] for more information.
Social Impact
PMI Palmetto Social Impact is looking for an NGO or Non Profit for our annual Symposium to partner with. If you know one please email
[email protected]
