President's Corner

A Letter from 2025 - 2026 President, Kelly Sandstrom

As we look ahead to 2025, I am thrilled to usher in a new era of growth, innovation, and impact for our chapter and its members. Here in Central Indiana, we have a proud legacy of advancing the profession of project management—but what truly excites me is how we’re poised to build on that foundation in fresh and exciting ways.

This year, we’re focusing on creating dynamic opportunities that reflect the changing landscape of our industry and the evolving needs of professionals across all experience levels. Whether you are just starting out in project management, pivoting mid-career, or honing your expertise as a seasoned leader, we’re committed to supporting your journey. Our 2025 programming will embrace lifelong career development, cutting-edge technologies & innovation, project management for social good as well as certification excellence.
Most importantly, we are a vibrant community of professionals who support one another. Expect more networking events, social gatherings, and collaborative projects—because learning is richer and more rewarding when we do it together.

I am honored to serve as President alongside a full, dedicated Board of Directors and a highly passionate team of volunteers. Together, we are bringing fresh energy, strategic direction, and unwavering commitment to our chapter’s mission. We believe in the power of community-driven knowledge, continuous professional development, and the pursuit of excellence. We believe that project managers, working together, can shape a better future.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, innovation, and lasting impact—together.

 

KellySandstrom-NEW.jpg

Kelly Sandstrom

PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PMOCP, CAPM, A-CSM, PMO-BP, Project+
PMICIC President
2025 - 2026
president@pmicic.org

President's Message | December 2025

Hello PMICIC Members,

As we close out 2025, I’m filled with gratitude for what we’ve built together this year. This has been a year of rebuilding, reconnecting, and reaffirming who we are as a chapter—and who we want to be moving forward. I want to thank every one of you for showing up, leaning in, and contributing to a stronger, more vibrant PMICIC community.

This year, we made tremendous strides in improving communications, strengthening our branding, and elevating the overall member experience. We re-established a culture grounded in positivity, transparency, and trust—a foundation we will continue to build on. And we saw something remarkable: significant membership density around new event categories, proving that our members are hungry for variety, accessibility, and connection.

Our programming this year was guided intentionally by the following focuses:

  • Professional development
  • Networking and community building
  • Advancing project management knowledge
  • Optimizing pathways for volunteers

These services shaped our 2025 cadence and gave us directional clarity during a period of transition. In 2026, we will continue to refine these services with more engaging formats, and programming that aligns tightly to what you value most.

As we look ahead, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing 2025 volunteer leaders. Your service, resilience, and dedication made a measurable impact on our chapter. We truly would not be where we are today without you. And to our incoming 2026 leaders—welcome. I cannot wait to see the energy, ideas, and passion you bring into the new year.

We are entering the new year with a clear North Star:

Create a chapter where every member sees a place for themselves and a path to grow.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead:

  • More programming variety—no longer following the old “same day each month” pattern
  • Professional Development Day 2026, building on an incredible 2025 experience!
  • Project on Purpose 2026 at the Decorators’ Showhouse
  • More community partnerships with local organizations, employers, and universities

There is a lot to be excited about—and we hope you’ll join us as we step boldly into 2026.

We’re starting the year with a powerful January 21st event focused on the neuroscience of burnout and the Energy Triangle™. If you’re looking for a fresh, energizing start to the year, this session is the perfect place to begin.

This year has personally been one of the most challenging and rewarding leadership experiences of my career. What stands out above everything else is the resilience and warmth of this community. You reminded me—again and again—that when people come together with shared purpose, great things happen. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and helping shape a chapter that feels more connected, more aligned, and more hopeful than ever.

I cannot wait for all we will accomplish in the coming year.
Here’s to a strong finish to 2025—and an inspiring, transformative 2026 ahead.

 
 

previous President's monthly messages below:

November 2025

As we enter November, I’m filled with gratitude for the project professionals who make a difference every day — in your workplaces, teams, and our PMICIC community. In celebration of International Project Management Day on November 6, I want to thank you for the expertise, resilience, and collaboration you bring to every project.
 
This past month, we also wrapped up our Dual Volunteer & Member Appreciation Event — a wonderful evening recognizing the people who fuel our chapter’s success. Be sure to check out event highlights and photos below!
 
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to those who applied for 2026 leadership roles; your energy and ideas are shaping an exciting future. As we close out the year, stay tuned for our final events and a preview of 2026 programming featuring local innovation, professional development, and new networking formats.
 
November is a season of reflection, and I’m truly thankful for the PMICIC community — for the connections we’ve made, the lessons we’ve shared, and the progress we’ve achieved together. Happy holidays!

October 2025

As we flip the calendar into October, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead. It’s been an energizing season for our chapter, and I want to highlight a few key milestones and upcoming opportunities:


Help Us Shape the 2026 Calendar
We’re already looking ahead to 2026, and I’d love your input. What topics, speakers, or project management trends do you want to see next year? This is your chance to help us shape the conversations, events, and opportunities that will bring the most value to our membership.

Send your ideas directly to me at president@pmicic.org.

Let’s fill the calendar with the topics YOU want to hear about!


Member & Volunteer Appreciation Night
One of my favorite events coming up is our Member & Volunteer Appreciation Night on October 7. This is our way to pause and celebrate the people behind the scenes—the volunteers, the supporters, the participants—who make PMICIC what it is.
We’ll highlight a few standout contributors with recognition awards.


It’s also a great opportunity to connect informally with fellow members and board leadership.
I hope many of you will join us as we pause to say “thank you” in person.


Career Development Expo!
Later in the month, our Career Expo returns, offering a platform for members, prospective PMs, and recruiters to connect. This event is ideal whether you’re:
Exploring new project management roles
Looking to expand your professional network
Seeking talent for your team
Or curious to hear industry trends face-to-face


If you or your organization would like to participate as a recruiter or sponsor, please let us know soon—slots are limited.


Student Partnerships & Academic Outreach
I’m delighted to share that our outreach to student communities is expanding. In early 2025, have formalized a partnership with Project Management @ Purdue. Through this collaboration, we’ll:
Serve as judges for student club projects in the fall semester (dates: Nov 5 & Dec 10)
Host a Networking Night on Nov 5, bringing students and professionals together in West Lafayette!
Explore mentorship opportunities and guest talks


Volunteers from our chapter are welcome to assist as event liaisons, judges, or mentors.

This is a meaningful way to grow the PM pipeline and strengthen ties with academia.

Gratitude & Congratulations on Board ElectionsFinally, as we wrap up another annual board election cycle, I want to express deep gratitude to everyone who participated—candidates, voters, nomination committee members, and supporters. Your engagement is what ensures our governance remains transparent and representative.


A hearty congratulations to the newly elected Board members! I look forward to working side by side with each of you. Thank you in advance for your commitment, creativity, and service in the year ahead.

September 2025

What an incredible month it has been for our chapter! Professional Development Day 2025 was a resounding success, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our attendees, sponsors, speakers, and especially our dedicated volunteers who brought the event to life. Together, we created an inspiring day of learning, networking, and connection that reflects the very best of our project management community here in Central Indiana.

In addition, several of our board members had the privilege of representing PMICIC at the regional leadership conference in Ottawa from August 21-23. It was a powerful opportunity to exchange ideas with peers from across North America, gain fresh perspectives, and bring back new insights to strengthen our chapter’s future. I’m excited about the energy, innovation, and collaboration that will continue to shape our work in the months ahead.

July 2025

President’s Message - July 2025: A Community in Motion: PMICIC's Mid-Year Reflection


As we reach the halfway point of the year, I’ve found myself reflecting not just on what PMICIC has accomplished—but on what we’ve become.

When I stepped into this role at the beginning of the year, our chapter was in a season of reinvention. Like so many communities navigating a post-pandemic world, we faced big questions: \\\\\\\"How do people want to engage now? What makes their time feel truly well spent?\\\\\\\" It was clear we couldn’t just do things the way we’d always done them.

It’s taken intention—and a lot of effort—to reimagine our programs in ways that meet people where they are. To offer events that are not only meaningful, but welcoming to both members and nonmembers. To build new partnerships, experiment with new formats, and stretch our comfort zones. At the same time, we’ve been rebuilding our volunteer base and strengthening the behind-the-scenes operations that keep everything running.

What’s unfolded over these last six months has been deeply humbling. I’ve learned more than I ever expected—not only about volunteer and business development, but about myself. About listening. About leading. About the quiet persistence it takes to keep moving forward when the path isn’t always clear.

 So far in 2025:

We've hosted 9 events, welcomed over 330 attendees, and offered 8.5 PDUs—with 13 new speakers bringing fresh energy and expertise to our community.
We’ve tested new formats that are resonating with members, like “Empowered to Lead”, “Behind the Design”, and the “Riverside Promenade Walking Tour.”
Our LinkedIn reach continues to expand, proving that our community is both organically active and inspiring—online and off.
 Financially, we’re operating lean while staying mission-focused. We're proud to report positive net revenue despite reduced spending—evidence of our thoughtful stewardship and volunteer-led innovation.

And I haven’t done it alone.

To everyone who has contributed—by attending an event, sharing your ideas, volunteering your time, or simply cheering us on—thank you. You are the reason this chapter exists. You are the community we’re building toward.

Whether you’re brand-new to PMICIC or have been with us for years, there’s a place for you here. A place to connect, to grow, and to make an impact—in your own way, on your own terms.

Here’s to the second half of the year. We have so much more to look forward to.

With sincere gratitude,
Kelly Sandstrom
President & CEO, PMI Central Indiana Chapter

June 2025

President’s Message - June 2025: Growth, Gratitude, and Getting Ready for ProDevDay


Spring has a way of renewing everything—and this month at PMI Central Indiana, that energy is everywhere.

As we turn the page into June, I want to take a moment to celebrate the productive month we just wrapped up at PMI Central Indiana, and give you a glimpse of what’s ahead this summer, including one of our biggest moments of the year that’s now officially on the horizon.

What We Accomplished in May
May 6 – Dynamic Duo: How Change and Project Management Amplify Each Other (1 PDU)
We came together to explore how change and project management amplify each other. These chapter meetings continue to be a powerful space for knowledge-sharing and connection. 

 May 30 – Riverside Promenade Walking Tour/Networking Event (1.5 PDUs)
This was a standout moment! We took learning into the field with a behind-the-scenes look at a transformational city project. Attendees got a firsthand look at the intersection of planning, community engagement, and long-term impact—and left inspired by the scale and intentionality of the work. 

 Also, our second PMP study group cohort wrapped up its five-week series in May. We’ve now connected more than 30 aspiring PMP candidates to each other, to resources, and to a powerful local support network. We can’t wait to celebrate with you when you get your certification! 

 Operationally, we revised our financial policy, made strides towards more consistent and standard communications workflows, and took a closer look at our volunteer recruitment and engagement strategy.

 Ongoing Engagement & Volunteer Power

We welcomed even more new members into the chapter—continuing our streak of now 185 new members in 2025. We are right on the cusp of 1,600 members strong!
Our team of active volunteers continues to drive programs, lead committees, and create experiences that make our chapter vibrant and welcoming. A group of nearly 20 volunteers joined a virtual meeting on May 21 for our inaugural ProDev Day planning committee kickoff call! 
Chapter visibility keeps growing on social media: our LinkedIn engagement is up 62.3% over last year, with continued increases in interaction and reach. If you aren't already following us on LinkedIn, I invite you to check us out there.
Our biggest event of the year— Professional Development Day 2025—is coming up on  August 6, and early bird registration is now open through June 15. Don’t miss your chance to save your seat at a discounted rate and be part of a day designed to inspire, connect, and elevate project professionals across Indiana. Visit  https://prodevday.com to register today!

We've also secured a super cool keynote speaker, and I cannot wait to share the details on who it is -- check our social media pages next week!

May 2025

As April comes to a close, I’m filled with gratitude and energy for the season ahead. Spring has brought new faces, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of momentum to PMI Central Indiana—and I want to thank our community, and especially our volunteers, for being a part of it. In the last few weeks alone, we’ve seen the power of community in action:

Volunteers from across our chapter showed up in full force to support the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament during our first Social Impact Day of Service.
Our April Networking Social at Blind Owl Brewery sparked new connections and fresh conversations.
We just wrapped up a truly special Behind-the-Scenes event at the Decorators’ Showhouse, where we heard from the project team behind this 64-year community legacy.
These events weren’t just successful—they were  energizing.

I’m excited to keep this momentum going as we move into May. We’ve got two opportunities I hope you’ll consider attending -- our May chapter meeting on May 6, and a unique event on May 31 which is a walking tour of a recently completed local urban design project.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are brand new to the chapter, there’s a place for you in what we’re doing at PMICIC. Come join us! I look forward to welcoming you at a future chapter event.