On Septemeber 12, 2026, PMI San Diego members, volunteers, partners, and Project Professionals gathered to celebrate four decades of community, leadership, learning, and service.
A celebration of our past, present, and future
Since 1986, PMI San Diego has connected Project Professionals through education, networking, volunteering, and professional development. Over four decades, members and volunteers have built a community where professionals share knowledge, develop leadership skills, and support one another.
Our 40th anniversary celebration honored the people who built that foundation and those carrying it forward. The event offered an opportunity to reconnect, reflect on the chapter’s history, and look ahead to the next chapter.
Memorable moments from the celebration
From exploring the zoo to sharing stories over dinner, the celebration offered opportunities to connect and reflect on four decades of chapter history.
San Diego Zoo experience
Attendees explored the San Diego Zoo during the day before gathering for the evening celebration.
Anniversary scavenger hunt
An interactive scavenger hunt invited attendees to explore the zoo, connect with fellow participants, and celebrate chapter history.
Chapter trivia
Guests tested their knowledge of chapter milestones, leaders, programs, and accomplishments spanning four decades.
Historical exhibit
Photographs, publications, and timelines brought the chapter’s history to life, highlighting achievements from across its 40 years.
Fireside conversation
Project management leaders reflected on the chapter’s legacy and discussed emerging trends shaping the profession.
Dinner, music, and celebration
Conversation, music, and dancing rounded out the evening while recognizing those who have contributed to the chapter’s success.
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
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
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 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 longtime PMI San Diego 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 featured during the celebration. The exhibit traces four decades of PMI San Diego history through milestones, publications, photographs, and chapter achievements.
If the embedded exhibit does not appear on your device, use the button above to open the complete PDF in a new tab.
Event photo gallery
Browse hundreds of photos from PMI San Diego’s 40th anniversary celebration, including event highlights, chapter history displays, networking moments, and memorable experiences from throughout the evening.
PMI San Diego’s success over the past 40 years was built by dedicated volunteers, members, chapter leaders, community partners, and Project Professionals. Their passion and commitment continue to strengthen our chapter and advance the profession.
Together, we celebrated past achievements, honored those who helped shape our history, and reaffirmed our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and leadership in the years ahead.
