Celebrating 40 Years of PMI San Diego

On September 12, 2026, PMI San Diego members, volunteers, partners, and project professionals gathered at the San Diego Zoo to celebrate an incredible milestone: four decades of community, leadership, learning, and service.

A Celebration of Our Past, Present, and Future

Since 1986, PMI San Diego has brought project professionals together to connect, learn, grow, and lead. What began as a small chapter has evolved into one of the region's premier professional communities, supporting thousands of members through education, networking, volunteer opportunities, and professional development.

Our 40th Anniversary Celebration honored the people who have shaped this journey over the last four decades while looking forward to the opportunities and innovations that will define the next chapter of project management.

Memorable Moments from the Celebration

Throughout the day and evening, attendees enjoyed experiences that highlighted PMI San Diego's history, community spirit, and vision for the future.

🦁 San Diego Zoo Experience

Attendees received admission to spend the day exploring one of San Diego's most iconic destinations before the evening celebration began.

🔍 Anniversary Scavenger Hunt

A fun and interactive challenge encouraged attendees to explore the zoo, connect with fellow participants, and celebrate chapter history.

🧠 Chapter Trivia

Guests tested their knowledge of memorable chapter milestones, leaders, programs, and accomplishments from across four decades.

📚 Historical Exhibit

A curated exhibit showcased photographs, publications, timelines, and achievements from PMI San Diego's rich history.

🎤 Fireside Conversation

Project management leaders reflected on the chapter's legacy and discussed emerging trends shaping the profession.

🎶 Dinner, Music & Celebration

The evening concluded with great food, conversations, music, dancing, and appreciation for everyone who has helped make the chapter successful.

Featured Speakers

Our fireside panel brought together respected project management leaders and longtime PMI volunteers to reflect on PMI San Diego's legacy, celebrate the chapter's accomplishments, and discuss the future of the profession.

Shane Cretacci, PMP

Director of Program Management, C1 | PMI Region 7 Mentor

Shane Cretacci is a project and program management leader with more than 20 years of experience leading complex technology initiatives and high-performing teams. He is a Director of Program Management at C1 and serves as a PMI Region 7 Mentor, supporting chapter leaders and volunteers across the western United States. A longtime PMI volunteer, Shane previously served as President and Board Chair of the PMI Phoenix Chapter and was recognized with PMI's Chapter Leadership Impact Award. During his chapter leadership, PMI Phoenix was also named PMI Chapter of the Year. Shane is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening professional communities, and creating environments where teams and volunteers can succeed.

Ray W. Frohnhoefer, MBA, PMP, CCP

Managing Partner, PPC Group, LLC

Ray W. Frohnhoefer is the Managing Partner of PPC Group, LLC, specializing in helping aspiring, new, and accidental project managers and their organizations improve their practices. His work includes four published books, three of which are Amazon bestsellers in Business Project Management, training, and consulting. As a PMI volunteer for 20 years, Ray served as President of the PMI San Diego Chapter, a Region 7 Mentor, a member of the Ethics Review Committee, and in several other Board support committee positions. He holds a degree in Mathematics, an MBA in Technology Management, and is a graduate of the PMI Leadership Institute Master's Class.

Vanessa Bourgeois, PhD, MBA, MS, PMP, CSM, CSPO, SP+, GISF

Program & Product Leader | Cybersecurity and AI Expert

Vanessa Bourgeois is an accomplished program and product leader with deep expertise in cybersecurity, AI, and technical program management. She has held leadership roles at Hewlett Packard, Dell Technologies, Verizon, and Newmont Corporation. A long-time San Diego PMI coach and mentor, Vanessa is dedicated to helping professionals achieve certification, leadership growth, and career advancement. She teaches project management, mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity, and resume writing at the university level, and actively contributes to ISACA, OWASP, WiCyS, and Toastmasters.

40th Anniversary Historical Exhibit

Explore the digital version of the historical exhibit that was featured during the celebration.

Download the Historical Exhibit PDF →

Event Photo Gallery

Browse highlights from PMI San Diego's 40th Anniversary Celebration and relive the evening through photos captured throughout the event.

PMI San Diego 40th Anniversary Celebration

Click the photo above to explore the complete anniversary gallery.

View hundreds of photos celebrating 40 years of PMI San Diego, including event highlights, chapter history displays, networking moments, and memorable experiences from throughout the evening.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

PMI San Diego's success over the last 40 years has been made possible by dedicated volunteers, engaged members, chapter leaders, community partners, and project professionals whose passion and commitment continue to strengthen our chapter and advance the profession.

Together, we celebrated the achievements of the past, honored those who helped shape our history, and reaffirmed our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and leadership in the years ahead.