PMI LC Newsletter Q1 2019

1. PMI Lebanon Chapter
Newsletter
Quarter 1, 2019
Contact Us | Our Website

2. Contents
Word from PMI Lebanon Chapter
PMI Lebanon Chapter participation in Leadership Institute
Meeting (LIM) Asia Pacific - Penang Malaysia
Congratulations to Dr. Claude Khalil and Mrs. Gretta Kelzi
Monthly Talks
January / February / March
PMI Updates
Sunil Prashara, the New President & CEO of PMI
Welcoming New Members
Getting to Know Our Members
PMILC Orientation Sessions
Formatech Orientation Session
PMI International Events
Articles by PMI
Why Project Ethics Matter
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3. Word from PMI Lebanon Chapter
 Back to Contents PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter3
Dear PMILC Community,
As most of you are aware I have been recently elected as the president of
PMI Lebanon Chapter (PMI LC) in January 2019 and it is an honor for me to
serve this dynamic organization of dedicated and engaged professionals
and practitioners.
This year PMI is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The celebration of service has started and will go beyond
2019. PMI has committed to contributing 50,000 hours towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) identified by the United Nations by 31 December 2019.
Together and jointly with you, our community members, we will get involved and pledge our commitment.
Together we will continue to create success that I will not be able to accomplish alone. Let us bring project
management impact and value to our community.
Together we can do great things and make a difference, leading individuals and organizations to be
more outstanding.
I would like to thank you all for your continuous contribution and to emphasize our joint efforts with this
quote: “One hundred years ago you didn’t exist on earth, and one hundred years from now you will not.
Many are remembered through their teachings, writings, inventions, leadership and sacrifices. We will strive
to leave a mark.”
Khaled Karam
President of PMI Lebanon Chapter
president@pmilebanonchapter.org

4. PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter4
PMI Lebanon Chapter participation in Leadership
Institute Meeting (LIM) Asia Pacific - Penang Malaysia
PMI Lebanon Chapter Leaders usually participates in
EMEA LIM; exceptionally this year our region decided
to join Asia Pacific LIM. It was attended by some of
PMI LC board members: Mrs. Gretta Kelzi, Mr. Khaled
Karam and Mr. Paul Farhat.
This year’s edition was a very special one: Celebrating
PMI 50th anniversary with chapter leaders from AP
region, PMI chair, senior staff and volunteers.
We got the chance to have an in depth update about
the transformation PMI is going through, to participate
in educational sessions tackling membership,
volunteering, professional development and PMI
updates, to network and share experiences with fellow
leaders from the AP region.
In addition, we got inspired by listening to success
stories from some of the most effective chapters in
PMI and attend insightful keynote speeches tackling
leadership skills and innovation leadership by Margie
Warrell and Andrew Grant.
 Back to Contents
It was an interesting experience and it gave us more
tools and ideas that we are eager to use to better
serve PMILC. This is a very special year for PMI as we
celebrate the 50th anniversary of PMI. As part of the
celebration of service; PMI pledged 50,000 hours of
social good events through contributing to the 17 UN
sustainable development goals and PMILC will take
part of the action.

5. Congratulations
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter5 Back to Contents
Congratulations to Dr. Claude Khalil
Claude’s story with PMI:
I began my volunteering journey with PMI Lebanon
Chapter as a team member in organizing the first
national conference, and then evolved into positions
to be elected as President of PMI Lebanon Chapter
in October 2014.
During my volunteering journey, I fostered an
environment of teamwork and ensured that
PMI values are well respected. Over 25 years of
experience in the healthcare industry with extensive
Institutional and Healthcare experience in project
management; my education also includes a
doctorate in Pharmacy from Saint Joseph University,
MBA from Newport University, and I am a PMP
certification holder.
As a Region mentor, I provide advice, guidance and
leadership to PMI chapter leaders to develop their
leadership capabilities and ensure member value
delivery to build strong local chapter performance
mainly in the areas of program implementations,
volunteer professional development and continuous
chapter value delivery, through communication,
collaboration, sharing best practices, and education.
In addition, I act as a resource and indispensable
partner with PMI staff regarding programs, policies
and procedures that enable and focus chapters
on operational success in growing membership
community, and supporting practitioner career
development.
Dr. Claude Khalil , PMI Lebanon Chapter
past president (2017), is currently the Region
Mentor for Middle East and North Africa
(Region 12) where she works with PMI Global
Chapter Development Department staff in
support of PMI Chapters for the MENA Region.
Next 

6. Congratulations
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter6 Back to Contents
Congratulations to Mrs. Gretta Kelzi
Gretta’s story with PMI:
My journey with PMI is seven years old. It started
as any engagement would start getting hints on
how to pass the PMP exam. Instantly I noticed
that this engagement is much bigger than the
exam, of higher value and wide benefits. With PMI
community, whether locally or globally, virtual or
in person, it is always a win-win situation. It is
consistently an upward learning curve. This is not
the end of the story this is just a start of a long
journey of self-discovery, and most importantly
knowledge sharing, impactful self-confidence and
growing leadership skills.
Recently, I was lucky to join the Ethics Members
Advisory Group (EMAG) of PMI. Ethics and values
play a significant role in my day-to-day interactions
and behaviors.
In the professional, family and social life, I work
consciously to establish myself as a person of
ethics held to strict and high standards when
making decisions or acting on behalf of anyone or
any organization to execute projects/tasks/events.
Joining the EMAG team is a great opportunity to
leverage and apply the experience that I have gained
throughout the years, as a leader.
For more details about Ethics:
1. Ethics in project management:
https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics
2. Code of Ethics and professional conduct:
https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/code
3. Ethics Tools:
https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/resources/toolkit
4. Ethics Members Advisory Group:
https://www.pmi.org/about/leadership-governance/
member-advisory-groups/ethics-member-advisory-group
PMI Lebanon Chapter past president (2019),
Mrs. Gretta Kelzi is now a member of PMI’s
Ethics Members Advisory Group( EMAG), a
global team of experienced volunteers who are
committed to facilitate learning and discussion
about ethics and professional conduct in
project management.

7. Monthly Talks
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter
So you think you know the code
by Mrs. Gretta Kelzi
The Known Unknowns: Importance of Project Risk Management
by Mr. Wissam Yaccoub
Applying Emotional Intelligence Concepts in a Project Environment
by Mr. Rami Aoun
FEB
MAR
JAN
Mrs. Gretta Kelzi was the speaker for the month of February 2019
and she delivered a dynamic session about “so you think you know
the “Code“? . The session included group activities and to discover
the level of maturity of applying PMI’s Code of Ethics at a personal
and professional level. The session was held on Thursday, February
28th, 2019 at 6:30PM at The Key ApartHotel, Palais de Justice
District, Corniche du Fleuve, Beirut, Lebanon.
Mr. Wissam Yaacoub was the speaker for the month of March 2019
and he delivered an insightful session about “The Known Unknown:
Importance of Project Risk Management”. The session incorporated
exercises in planning, identifying, analyzing and mitigating risks in
life and organizations at large. The session was held on Thursday,
March 28th, 2019 at 6:30PM at The Key ApartHotel, Palais de Justice
District, Corniche du Fleuve, Beirut, Lebanon.
Mr. Rami Aoun was the speaker for the month of January 2019 and he
talked about the “Applying Emotional Intelligence Concepts in a Project
Environment – Dealing with Different Behavioral Types”. The session
also included assessments and exercises of self awareness and
discovery which are powerful tools of self mastery. The session was
held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 6:30PM at The Key ApartHotel,
Palais de Justice District, Corniche du Fleuve, Beirut, Lebanon.”
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More Info
More Info
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8. PMI Updates
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter8 Back to Contents
Sunil Prashara, the New President & CEO of PMI
Project Management Institute (PMI) today announced that its Board of Directors has named Sunil Prashara
president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately. In his new role, Sunil will serve as the
lead advocate for PMI’s global organization, serving more than three million professionals in nearly every
country in the world.
Working with the Board of Directors, he will oversee the implementation of PMI’s new strategic plan and
guide the organization toward a future designed to help millions of project professionals around the world
accelerate their careers and make ideas a reality.
For More Details:
https://www.pmi.org/about/press-media/press-releases/new-president-and-ceo
https://www.pmi.org/about/leadership-governance/updates
https://www.pmi.org/about/leadership-governance/executive/sunil-prashara

9. Welcoming New Members (Q12019)
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter9
1. Mr. Elie Abou Younes
2. Mr. Samer El Tawil
3. Mr. Zareh Demirdjian
4. Mr. Ahmad Steitiyeh
5. Mrs. Grace Madi
6. Mr. Elie Abdo
7. Ms. Jeanette Saliba
8. Ms. Marie Antoinette Melhem
9. Mr. Rawad Mokheiber
10. Ms. Soumaya Mahfouz
11. Mr. Ayman Itani
12. Mrs Sarah El Bizri
13. Mr. Rabeeh Adwan
14. Mr. Ramzi Abou Rahal
Welcoming members who have joined the chapter in Q1 2019
15. Mr. Andre Pires
16. Dr. Aziz Malek
17. Mrs. Rita Saati
18. Mr. Ibrahim Jaber
19. Mr. Nadim Elias Chammas
20. Mr. Marwan Hallal
21. Mr. Amer Bash
22. Mr. Nabil Hammoud
23. Mr. Nadeem Hannawi
24. Mr. Sameer AlHomsi
25. Mr. Georges Asmar
26. Mr. Ali Melhem
27. Ms. Zeina Alti
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10. Getting to Know Our Members
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter10 Back to Contents
Mr. Maroun Bou Maroun
• Current Role: Head of Software development
team at SGBL
• Academic and Professional Credentials:
Masters in Computer and Communication
Engineer and PMP
• PMI LC member since: Jan 2017
• Domain / Industry Knowledge:
Information Technology in the banking
sector, Operations and Project Management,
Business Analysis
• Testimonial: I got my PMP certification
in 2011, I joined PMI Lebanon Chapter in
2017. Since I joined the chapter, I attended
most of the monthly talks and professional
development days. As a PMP, I found in
joining the chapter the following advantages:
- The chapter is a place of continuous
learning and professional development
- The subjects are diversified and aligned
with PMI objectives.
- During the monthly talks, the local
presenters shared their experience in the
local market and addressed the challenges
of the profession in Lebanon. During
professional development days,
international presenters shared their
international experience.
- It provides opportunities to meet up and
network with other project managers.
Mr. Hani Hmede
• Current Role: Founder and Managing Partner
at Zmeastro , Co-Founder at pmmagazine.net
• Academic and Professional Credentials:
Bachelor degree in Information Technology ,
PMP, PMI-RMP
• PMI LC member since: 2018
• Domain / Industry Knowledge:
Project Management consultancy,
Team building coaching
• Testimonial: I had been in project
management and PMI member for many
years prior to joining Lebanon Chapter. I
joined to have a great networking gateway
to know what’s going on in the profession
in my region and to connect with my peer
group. While PMI helps me to keep informed
on all the new standards, improvements,
methodologies and news in the profession,
the chapter allows me to attend a number
of networking events and continuing
education sessions. At the end, my
recommendations for new members are
to keep in touch with the chapter and to
participate in continuing education.
More Members 

11. Getting to Know Our Members
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter11 Back to Contents
Mr. Mahmoud Boukhari
• Current Role: Senior Software Developer
• Academic and Professional Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science,
Global university, 2009
• PMI LC member since: Feb 2018
• Domain / Industry Knowledge: Information
Technology. Worked in multiple environments
from Government to Airlines, travel and
tourism, construction and logistics.
• Testimonial: Good things happen when you
get involved with PMI Lebanon Chapter. As
someone new to PMI, I had lot of questions
about how to adapt. I found out that joining
PMI Lebanon Chapter had the resources and
information I needed. Since March 2018, I
never missed any PMI LC event from monthly
talk to professional development day and
recently the conference. It helped me access
wide range of professional network and gain
access to the most up-to-date knowledge
and build relationships beneficial to my
career and sharing ideas and collaborating
on projects. It didn’t take me a lot of time
to realize that joining PMI LC was the right
timing and definitely I will renew
my membership.
Mr. Ibrahim Mneimneh
• Current Role: Founder of the design firm
URBANE Design Interventions
• Academic and Professional Credentials:
Bachelor in Architectural Engineering,
Masters in Urban Design, PMP, LEED
Accredited Professional in Neighborhood
Development
• PMI LC member since: Jan 2016
• Domain / Industry Knowledge: Architectural
and Urban Design, Sustainable Design,
Community based interventions
• Testimonial: I have been a member of the
PMI Lebanon chapter since the year 2016.
The Chapter has been very active in arranging
monthly lectures, numerous conferences
and events. I personally have participated in
most of the Chapter events and I find them an
opportunity for continuous education as well
as valuable windows of exposure. In addition
to all that, the chapter has been successful
in creating a sense of community where
the members are in continuous contact and
interaction with other members of the chapter.

12. PMILC Orientation Sessions
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter12 Back to Contents
Formatech Orientation Session:
As part of our chapter continuous strive to promote awareness on project management in Lebanon and
among the activities performed in Q1 2019, PMI Lebanon Chapter VP pf Professional Education visited
Formatech, PMI Registered Education Provider (R.E.P) and provided an orientation session about PMI
and PMI Lebanon Chapter community, its activities and benefits at the end of the project management
professional (PMP) course.

13. PMI International Events
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter13
PMI®
EMEA Congress 2019
Technology made possible by a project manager
13-15 May | Dublin, Ireland
Attend to:
• Hear innovative keynotes
• Learn cutting-edge global perspectives on your fast-moving profession and
• Share experiences with your peers from around the world.
Register Now View Schedule
 Back to Contents

14. Articles by PMI
PMI Lebanon Chapter Newsletter14 Back to Contents
Why Project Ethics Matter
by Michael O’Brochta, PMI-ACP, PMP
Leadership is built on trust. If the foundation is cracked, a project’s future is in doubt.
Citation: O’Brochta, M. (2016). Why project ethics matter: Leadership is built on trust.
If the foundation is cracked, a project’s future is in doubt. PM Network, 30(1), 29.
More Info