PMINJ Executive Board Election - 2023

According to the PMINJ Bylaws, each year three (3) of the seven (7) members of the Executive Board are elected to a term of 2 years. (The Past President is not reelected and assumes the office when a new President is elected.) This creates staggered terms to maintain continuity of the board operations.

Below is a brief bio for each of the candidates.

Mark Barash, PMP

Mark has over 30 years of experience leading IT projects and programs in the CPG industry. At Mondelēz International, Mark leads the global project and program portfolio for the Supply Chain digital and BPO areas, encompassing digital investment strategy, project execution, value realization, and governance. Mark has been a member of the PMINJ Chapter since 2010, where he has held positions of President, Vice President Membership and Director Administration Operations.

Election Statement:
Mark plans to build on PMINJ’s success, including continuing development and proliferation of Local Communities of Interest (Life Sciences, Military, Student, Career Networking, Women in Leadership), increasing outreach activities, enlarging professional development and career services, leveraging recent product offerings from PMI, maturing our volunteer program in terms of career succession and fulfillment, and increasing member engagement including promoting the community aspect of members’ experience.

Steve Warnek, PMP

Steve Warnek has had a twenty year career at what is now Nokia Bell Labs - most recently having worked on its NYC Transit, NJ Transit, Hawaii HART and USP-Evolution projects.

Steve’s creative career spans his work as freelance writer for the Star Trek television series (from 1995 to 2004) to now as Executive Producer of his own science-fiction audio drama, Helios, now in post-production.

He has served the PMINJ Board since 2017, holds PMP and CSM, and is a member of the Writers Guild of America.

Election Statement:
How do we move forward and in what direction? PMINJ must increase value for its current loyal membership while also appealing to those who don’t know us yet:

• Actively managing our Volunteer experience in growing marketable skills
• Increased focus on career value drivers
• Create a social and community footprint of relevance
• Identify with partners who increase our brand appeal
• Think differently in how we service member needs

I appreciate your consideration, in serving you further.

Lystra Haynes

Lystra brings 30+ years of expertise leading portfolios, programs, and projects within the financial and insurance industries. Lystra is committed to nurturing the project management profession and promoting effective project methodologies through mentoring and coaching.

Lystra has been a member of PMINJ for 20 years and volunteer for 15 years. Throughout her volunteer tenure, she played a pivotal role in driving the chapter's progress. She was instrumental in establishing the mentor program, implemented innovative approaches, streamlined processes, enhanced efficiencies, and championed the Diversity Equity & Inclusion initiative.

Election Statement:
As Vice Chair of Membership, I will continue to collaborate with the Board to deliver relevant and valuable programs that enrich the PMINJ membership experience. Continuously enhance the value offered by PMINJ, ensuring it remains a dynamic and forward-thinking Chapter that caters to diverse generations and fosters inclusivity. I firmly believe the Chapter can navigate the ever-changing landscape of project management and embrace opportunities that lie ahead.

I envision the future where PMINJ continues to be the leading organization for the project management profession. Leadership for the future!

Eddy Vertil

Eddy, an alumnus of PMI's Leadership Institute Master Class (LIMC) and dedicated chapter leader has been contributing to PMINJ since 2017. As VP of Membership and VP of Business Strategy, he attracts students to our chapter and fosters their interest in project management. Eddy's corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies adds depth to his contributions. He actively serves on several advisory boards, such as Rutgers University and IMC, and provides valuable insights to PMI global, including youth engagement and chapter leader curriculum development. Eddy's pursuit of a Ph.D. in Business Strategy and Innovation, showcases his dedication to lifelong learning. As an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University, he shares his expertise with graduate students in Project Management.

Election Statement:
The future of our chapter depends on investing in youth and fostering member growth. Let's prioritize initiatives that empower and engage our members, equipping them with skills to become future leaders. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm drive progress. Mentorship, education, and networking will nurture their talents for a vibrant community. This election is an opportunity to commit to concrete actions, ensuring every member feels valued and empowered in project management endeavors.

Charles Rosen, MBA, PMP

Charles has experience as a portfolio, program, and project manager for a range of public agencies, private companies and non-profit organizations benefiting from strategic planning, technical service delivery, and organizational structuring. A PMI member since 2003, he’s held Chapter positions of VP-Operations, VP-Programs and Director-Programs and Speakers. He holds both PMP and SAFe Agilist certifications and brings more than 45 years of experience to the position.

Election Statement:
As Operations & Finance Vice-Chair, I will continue work with the board to raise our maturity level, bring PM tactics to Chapter operations and encourage the risk-taking we need to meet new needs and recruit future members. Our UNSDG (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) effort is another priority that I will drive - and with your support, we will make a difference. Project Managers are critical and our skills are needed now more than ever.