Meet the Candidates for PMI Mile Hi Board Elections

President Candidate:

James McCoy, PMP, CPMAI

I’m James McCoy, current chapter president and candidate for a final term. I’ve been a member and PMP-certified for over 24 years, serving in multiple leadership roles and on the board for 7+ years. I’ve proudly been the first president to complete full terms since 2018—because I don’t step away from volunteer commitments.

With 37 years in the project management profession—supporting Fortune 500 companies and startups globally—I bring both strategic and hands-on experience. I hold a bachelor's in Business Management and a master’s certificate from George Washington University.

As a dedicated volunteer, I launched our mentoring program and our first PMDOS event—both of which continue to thrive. As president, I’ve focused on post-pandemic recovery, expanding in-person and virtual opportunities, and returning our finances to the black. For the past two years, we’ve passed balanced budgets and enhanced member offerings, revamped chapter meetings, grown WPML and Symposium, and improved our website.

Known fondly as the “volunteer whisperer,” I’ve enjoyed connecting with members, building relationships, and bringing in new volunteers. Our progress is because of our incredible volunteer teams and members. I’m passionate about leading and helping others grow as leaders, and I believe in growing together—both professionally and personally.

Looking ahead, my goals include documenting operations, preparing for chapter growth, while continuing to connect with potential volunteers and deepen member engagement.

It would be an honor to serve as your president and continue advocating for our community.

Vice President Outreach Candidates: 

Karen Dickinson, PMP, SEP

I’ve been part of the PMI Mile Hi Chapter for a long time as a member and as a volunteer—serving as Speaker Lead for Symposium from 2014 to 2016, then stepping in as Director in 2017. Over the years, I’ve gained so much from this chapter: leadership experience, professional growth, and connections with some truly amazing people. Now, I’m excited for the chance to give back in a new way—as Vice President of Outreach.

This role is all about growth—bringing in new members, building strong partnerships, and increasing our presence in the community. I want to help the chapter connect with more companies, schools, and organizations that can benefit from what PMI offers, highlighting the value of project management. Whether it’s attracting sponsors, forging academic partnerships, or engaging other professional groups, my goal is to open doors and bring in fresh energy.

Our success will be measured by:

• Year-over-year growth in corporate sponsorship revenue and number of active sponsors.
• Increase in academic institution partnerships and student memberships.
• Number and quality of outreach programs executed annually.
• Satisfaction and retention of partners and sponsors.
• Enhanced brand visibility and community engagement.

I’ll tap into my network, keep outreach moving with intention, and create opportunities for people to connect with PMI. I believe in keeping this chapter strong, relevant, and welcoming for both current members and the next generation of project leaders. Outreach plays a huge part in that, and I’m ready to lead the charge.

Rachael Holmes

Rachael has worked as a project manager in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years, working closely with marketing and development teams to foster partnerships and attract donors. In these roles, she has led the design and implementation of marketing campaigns to raise millions of dollars for emergency relief, education and food insecurity.

Rachael started volunteering with the chapter in 2021 after attending WPML. Her first position was Director of Volunteers on the membership team, where she worked closely with the networking events to attract volunteers for chapter positions. While hosting networking events, Rachael’s main goal was to look at member data and ensure events were hosted in locations around the city. During her time in membership, Rachael also created Women Connect, a community of women project managers who meet to share skills and support. Now, as the current interim VP of Outreach, Rachael is working with her team to connect with companies and academic institutions in the Denver area. The two most important goals for outreach this year are to bring in more sponsors so the chapter can provide benefits to our members and to establish stronger relationships with our academic partners. 

Vice President Professional Development Candidates:

Preethi Chennaboyena, PMP

I am honored to submit my candidacy for the role of Vice President of Professional Development. With over a decade of experience in project management across the technology, healthcare, and finance sectors, I bring a strategic mindset and a passion for continuous learning. As a certified PMP Project Professional, I have successfully led professional development initiatives, including tailored training programs that improved team performance and project outcomes.

PMI and Mile Hi Chapter Involvement

I have actively participated in Mile Hi Chapter events, including professional development days and mentoring circles, which have deepened my appreciation for our vibrant and diverse member base. These experiences have fueled my desire to give back by serving on the chapter board.

Goals as VP of Professional Development

If elected, I will focus on two key goals:

1. Enhanced Learning Pathways – Launch a dynamic, tiered development program offering workshops, certifications prep, and career coaching for all experience levels.

2. Community-Driven Programming – Establish feedback loops through surveys and focus groups to ensure programming aligns with evolving member needs and industry trends.

Together, we can create meaningful, accessible, and forward-looking opportunities that empower members and strengthen our professional community.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Janet Lau, PMP, ITIL, SAFe, CSM 

I am honored to run for re-election as your VP of Professional Development. Since joining PMI in 2016, and serving as both Executive Director and now VP, it has been my privilege to lead initiatives that deliver meaningful value to our 4,000+ members.

Over the past two years, I’ve focused on evolving our programs based on what matters most to you. I responded to member demand for more networking events. I also championed our first-ever online training platform, with over 1,000 self-paced PDU-eligible courses (including PMP/CAPM training) at no cost to you.

I stepped in during the sudden loss of my dear friend and former VP, Liz, and helped ensure momentum and continuity during the difficult transition. I am running again to finish what we’ve started and continue building on that foundation and rich legacy.

Looking ahead, my top goals for this role are to:

1. Expand certification support & PDU resources.
2. Deliver cost-effective, relevant programs that address members’ evolving needs.
3. Build strategic partnerships to expand learning pathways & job opportunities.

Professionally, I bring 20+ years in technical project management and 15+ years of leadership experience. I’m PMP, SAFe, CSM, and ITIL certified, and as an early career engineer, I understand firsthand the evolving skillset needs of today’s project professionals.

With your vote, I’ll continue bringing my passion for supporting our members, building accessible, strategic, and future-ready development opportunities for our community. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Martin A. Perryman, PMP, MA

I am Martin “Al” Perryman. I want to be your next Vice President of Professional Development.  As a retired Army Colonel, I have experience in managing overarching professional development programs and in mentoring individuals through the process.  Initially, I served in Armor gaining experience in the management of training and maintenance programs.  The last 20 years were focused on developing and executing Security Assistance programs with friendly countries.  These ranged from large projects like F-16 fighters with the requisite civil works, training, and maintenance system requirements to smaller projects like procuring new uniforms. After the Army, I spent eight years in private industry delivering security scanning equipment to domestic and international customers.  This included smaller systems, like the metal detector and carry-on baggage scanner at the airport up to very large scanners in use at ports and border crossings.  Currently, I am with U.S. Space Command managing projects with our allies on the military satellite network.  I have been a Chapter member for about ten years.  During most of that time, my work travel limited my participation. My current job does not require travel, allowing me to become more involved. I believe I can utilize my experience to bring value to the Professional Development program.  If elected, my goals would be first to continue the exceptional menu of ongoing professional development offerings and second, to review the entire program to identify any gaps or opportunities for greater synergy in the program.

Mechelle Stanton-Bowers, BSIS

As a PMI member since 2007, with extensive experience on the Project Management Council, my mission remains focused on empowering leaders within the project management community. Serving on the Project Management National Council provided the opportunity to influence industry standards, promote best practices, and contribute insights that shape the future of the profession.

My strategic focus on project management is demonstrated by the successful execution of high-profile projects, such as producing record-breaking concerts, leading National Data Security initiatives, building datacenters, developing a robust PMO and delivering some of the world’s largest events. These complex endeavors require more than logistical coordination; they demand adaptability, KPIs, roadmaps, strategic planning, resource optimization, and risk mitigation to ensure successful outcomes.

Work-life balance, a deep commitment to family and community, and staying true to my authentic self are the core principles that guide both my personal and professional life. Family and community provide purpose, fostering love, connection, and support. These values inspire my commitment to giving back, staying grounded, and focusing on what truly matters, fueling my passion to empower others, making difference in the lives of others and our community while maintaining balance and authenticity.

Being elected Vice President of Professional Development presents an incredible honor, offering a unique opportunity to support, mentor, and empower leading Directors for Professional Development. This role provides a platform to drive strategic growth and ensure PMI maintains its leadership in the ever-evolving field of project management, fostering continuous innovation, success, and relevance for PMI and its members worldwide.