Meeting/Event Information

Mark your calendars for October 18, 2024, as the PMI Maine Chapter proudly presents our Annual Professional Development Day. 

From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, join us at the historic Calumet Club in Augusta, Maine, for an inspiring and action-packed day dedicated to advancing your project management career.

This year’s event promises an unforgettable experience, featuring:

Plus, you’ll earn 10 PDUs while expanding your project leadership and changemaker toolkit—whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting out in the field.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and grow. The PMI Maine Board of Directors can’t wait to spend this exciting day with you!

Event Speakers

Opening Speaker – Benjamin T Collings, Professional Consultant and Representative House District 114, Portland  

Topic: Politics in High-Level Projects

Professionally, Benjamin T. Collings is a consultant; advising Native American Tribes, Non-Profits, Political Organizations, Small Businesses, and Corporations.

Representative Collings is serving his fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives. He sits on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. His priority in Augusta is to put more money in the pockets of the hard working people of Portland and all of Maine. He also strongly supports greater investment in education, infrastructure and technology and hopes to restore civility, integrity, and visionary leadership in Augusta.

Originally from Fort Kent, Representative Collings has worked in Maine and national politics for over 30 years. He served as a legislative aide in the House Democratic Office during the 120th Legislature and has lobbied in Augusta and Washington D.C. on behalf of Native American Tribes, labor unions, and other organizations. In 2016 and 2020 Representative Collings managed Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign in Maine and conducted national Native American outreach for the campaign. Representative Collings resides in Portland and is the father of three adult children. 

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Marie Cosgrove, Ph.D 

Dr. Marie Cosgrove, Ph.D., is an inspirational speaker, resilience expert, accomplished entrepreneur, best-selling author, and transformation agent.  

She is also a Human Behavior Specialist, Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, and was named one of the Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs by Global Woman Magazine.  

Dr. Cosgrove is a highly sought-after International Speaker. She has shared the stage with Les Brown, Nick Vujicic, John Maxwell, Ed Mylett, Seth Godin, and many other legendary speakers.  Dr. Cosgrove has spoken to over 100,000 live audiences.  

Dr. Cosgrove is CEO of the world's leading manufacturing company, Vestibular, Research & Development, LLC specializing in the design, engineering, and development of diagnostic and treatment devices specifically for balance and central nervous system disorders (CNS, mild traumatic brain injury, concussions, migraines, Parkinson's, etc.) and treatment for mental health disorders and improving cognitive function. balanceback® products are used by clinicians worldwide, including the U.S. Airforce, University of Miami, Yale, Dartmouth, and VA hospitals, to name a few.  She is the author of "Greater Fortune: Essential Lessons from the Entrepreneur Who Bought the Company that Fired Her" 

Second Speaker – Denise Kissane, Consultant with Synchronous Strategies 

Topic: PMs Driving Success from RFP to Implementation

Denise Kissane is an RN/health care consultant with 30 plus years of clinical and administrative experience in a variety of settings including managed care, acute care, and senior living. Most recently, Denise worked for Aetna/CVS Health at the corporate level, leading multiple teams, including clinical implementations, performance improvement (audit), RFP response development for medical management, member outreach/ engagement Hub, program integrity, and Medicaid clinical vendor management.  

Before assuming her corporate role, Denise served as the Vice President, Clinical Health Services, for Aetna Better Health of Florida, directing clinical operations for the Florida Medicaid health plan.

Prior to her work with Aetna/CVS Health, Denise led the case management/social services department for the Broward Health hospital district. In addition, for 15 years, Denise served as owner/president of a boutique care management company providing services for clients, focused on geriatric, disabled adult, and psychiatric populations.

  Closing Speaker – Sherry Smith, Vice President, Insights and Advisory Services, AVIA Health Innovations

Topic: Integrating Process Improvement and Human Center Design into Projects

Sherry brings over 18 years of hospital operational, process improvement, and digital transformation experience. She was the founder of the Service Design/Innovation and Automation Teams at Moffitt Cancer Center with three main focuses - bridging the gap between digital, operational and new space solutions; spearheading their flagship automation program; and being a key thought leader for all major strategy initiatives.

Sherry is a Lean Sensei and has an advanced level certification in Design Thinking through IDEO. Sherry loves to weave Design Thinking and Lean concepts together as it relates to digital experiences and has spent her time most recently using both methodologies to design realistic solutions for patients, team members, and caregivers. Sherry is honored to be on the Roux Institute’s Healthcare Founder Residency Advisory Board.  She enjoys travel, yoga, and a good adventure.