Unlocking PMO Success: Expert Insights, Strategies, and Career Tips
Join us for our expert PMO Roundtable discussion where experts share their tips and experience, with a focus on:
- Types of PMOs
- Benefits of PMO structures
- Starting a PMO
- Joining an established PMO
- Successes, Failures & Lessons Learned
- Development path & skills needed for PMO leaders
- How to transition to a PMO role from other PM work
- Resources to learn more
Moderator:
Erik K. Rueter, PMP, PMI-ACP, blends over 20 years of leadership across tech startups, healthcare, academia, and entertainment into a vibrant approach to human-centered project management. Currently leading strategic initiatives as a senior project manager at the American Marketing Association, Erik excels at navigating complexity with empathy, creativity, and a healthy dash of humor.
With a BA in Neuroscience from Wesleyan University and additional expertise in digital design, Irish studies, and Design Thinking & Project Management (RIT), Erik champions inclusive, innovative leadership. Certified in Diversity and Inclusion by Cornell University, he's dedicated to shaping cultures where everyone thrives.
Erik has lectured at Boston and Emerson Colleges, spoken internationally at PMI events, and contributed insights on popular podcasts and influential project management books. Through Human-Centered Success LLC, he helps executives overcome cross-functional friction, amplify their leadership voice, and escape the fear that they're just shouting into the void.
Residing near Pittsburgh with his husband and their two spirited dachshunds, Erik recharges by running marathons, diving into video games, and sharing thoughtful, playful insights with fellow leaders and creators.
Guest Panelists:
Kenneth L. Rose is currently the Director of the Project Management Office (PMO) for Carnegie Mellon University Libraries. In his 34 years at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Kenneth worked as a member of the libraries' IT team with a focus on Linux systems administration and Storage Area Networks (SANS) for several years before advancing to a project management position in 2017. In 2019, Kenneth was promoted to PMO Director and is responsible for project management services with increasing complexity across the university including project planning, scheduling, budget and risk assessment throughout the project cycle. Kenneth is also a facilitator for the CMU Business Innovation Office's Project Management Center of Excellence (PM CoE).
Kenneth earned his B.A. from Syracuse University in 2003 and his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law in 2010. He passed the PA Bar Exam in 2011, maintains a private practice and is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania in both State and Federal Court (Western District of PA). He recently earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Project Management Institute in September 2024.
As a 3x LinkedIn Learning instructor, Hussain’s courses have impacted over 160,000 PMO and project management leaders, equipping them with actionable strategies to excel in their roles. He is a sought-after speaker, frequently sharing insights at PMI events, industry conferences, corporate gatherings, and podcasts. Hussain’s dedication to elevating PMOs and project leaders makes him a dynamic and inspiring voice for anyone seeking to unlock the full potential of their project management functions.
Currently, Lee is a project manager at UPMC International, responsible for implementing and integrating common global human resource (HR), electronic medical record (EMR), learning management system (LMS) platforms across many hospital locations in Ireland, Italy and Croatia. Recently, he was the project director to build and activate a brand new hospital in China. He built a PMO with multiple workstreams to deliver strategic program solutions to meet complex and politically sensitive business and strategic requirements.
Lee is actively involved with the Pittsburgh PMI chapter. As the Director of Global Outreach and Membership, his effort is to implement programs and initiatives to increase membership and member engagement. He established several scholarships: academic scholarships for the local university students in project management related degree; professional development scholarships for the chapter members to take courses and learn new skills to further advance their careers. He received the PMI Pittsburgh Chapter Volunteer of the Year award. In his spare time, Lee enjoys running and biking, especially in the scenic North Park. He also enjoys playing tennis with his son.
Lee received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University; and MS degree in Mechanical Engineering and MBA degree from University of Michigan-Dearborn.
In addition to her day-to-day work, LaNita serves as the sponsor for her company’s Black Employee Network (BEN). Also, she is a member of The Advanced Leadership Institute’s (TALI) ELP 2023 cohort as well as a previous member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Furthermore, LaNita is a proud wife and mom of two wonderful children and loves spending as much time as possible with her family.
