Ameren hosted the 2019 International Project Management (IPM) Day on November 7, 2019, in Downtown St. Louis. Along with an evening filled with food, drinks, networking, sponsorship and committee exhibits, IPM day also spotlighted the accomplishments of the PMI Metro St. Louis chapter’s past 25 years, recognized the achievements from the last year and awarded the PMI Metro St. Louis Charter members, Past Presidents, Women in Project Management, Project of the Year and Project Manager of the Year. 

The Project of the Year is awarded to a project team of a local organization that executes strategic plans to successfully complete a project. The Project of the Year honors an exemplary project manager who has managed an intricate project that has positively impacted their organization and community. 

Project of the Year was awarded to Cigna & Express Scripts for their exemplary execution of the Patient Assurance Program, a complex project that spanned over several departments within Cigna & Express Scripts and positively impacted over 6 million people. Cigna and Express Scripts created a large scale enterprise system that manages the operations of the Patient Assurance Program which ensures that diabetes patients taking insulin will have a fixed copay of $25 for a 30 day supply.  Through collaboration of several departments at Cigna & Express Scripts, the Patient Assurance Program was completed, despite challenging obstacles and roadblocks that threaten the successful completion of the project within its timeline. 

The Project Manager of the Year was awarded to Pat Kohlfeld, a 4-year PMP, who went above and beyond to implement temporary and permanent office and laboratory space for a Brazilian based company named CTC Genomics.  In order to successful manage these various projects and bring them to successful completion, Kohlfeld utilized her strong leadership skills and technical expertise to deliver successful outcomes. She collaborated with numerous stakeholders, both internally and externally, to understand the electrical and scientific components needed for the research laboratory. This enabled her to realize the full project benefits, a temporary and permanent laboratory that aligns with the vision of the organization. 

In addition to her strong leadership capabilities, she possesses excellent communication skills which was paramount to the overall successful completion of the project. Kohlfeld implemented a viable communication plan to keep all stakeholders of the project status. She established rapport with the leadership team by being transparent about the progression of the project and key deliverables in the project.

PMIMSL strives to promote and highlight talented individuals and organizations employing successful project management practices. Also we are committed to showcase the great project management talent we have in the St. Louis metropolitan area. 

The evening agenda also included a quick chapter history and PMI Journey overview by former President, Teresa Lueback, a PMI Metro St. Louis 25^th anniversary trivia game, and a keynote presentation by Steve Hughes.  Chapter committee candidates running for VP and President committee positions, were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and share why they are running for the various 2020 chapter committee roles.

PMIMSL President Brenda Murphy opened and kicked off the event. Murphy gave a brief Introduction and shared the event’s agenda. She introduced Ameren Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer Bhavani Amirthalingam to the podium. Amirthalingam welcomed the St. Louis PMI chapter to Ameren and said they were pleased to have the opportunity to host IPM day.

Former 2010-2013 PMIMSL President, Teresa Lueback shared some of the local chapter’s major accomplishments over the last 25 years. Lueback shared how there are over 300 PMI chapters worldwide and the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter was selected as the 2013 PMI Chapter of the Year, and today the Chapter has grown to over 2000 members.

Keynote speaker Steve Hughes, Certified Speaking Professional and author delivered a presentation focusing on “The Power of Yes: Using Improv Techniques to Boost Teamwork and Innovation”.