PMI Atlanta is pleased to announce our July Volunteer of the Month – congratulations, Kathy Morison! She has been volunteering with PMI Atlanta for over 15 years, a commendable tenure. Kathy’s volunteering with PMI Atlanta has allowed her to combine her love of helping others and sharing her PM experiences. Currently, she lends her multiple talents and support as the lead coordinator on the Operations Committee for the monthly PMI Atlanta dinners. When she’s not volunteering with PMI Atlanta, you may find Kathy traveling on a new adventure, sun bathing outdoors or enjoying her favorite pastime, SHOPPING! Read more about Kathy below and how she’s excited about the new format for PMI Atlanta.
What has been your favorite or most rewarding volunteer experience with PMI Atlanta?
I have been volunteering with PMI Atlanta for over 15 years. I love helping people, and sharing my PM experiences with them. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to do both of those things and meet new people at the same time! I love being a part of an organization of people that all share a common interest in project management. By volunteering at the dinner meetings, I am also able to benefit from the speakers and continue to increase my knowledge in the field. But the best part, aside from helping the members, is being able to network and interact with so many great folks in the organization!
How did you become interested in the project management profession?
During my early days at AT&T, while trying to decide what I really wanted to do, I accepted a position in project management. Not knowing much about the project management field, I was given time to take some training. It was during that time that I decided project management was what I wanted to pursue as a career. It was interesting, because it was needed in just about every industry, which meant that the opportunities were almost endless. It provided variety - if you get tired of one industry, you can always try another one and it's the perfect position to use and grow your leadership skills. But I think one of the biggest benefits of being a project management practitioner is the fact that the skill can be used in your personal life as well as your professional life!
Are there any project management resources you find particularly helpful?
I always recommend Rita Mulcahy's PMP prep classes. I find that they are all inclusive in terms of covering all of ways that people learn best - flash cards, printed material and sample tests. They also guarantee that you will pass the PMP exam. I also recommend the annual PMXPO. It's a virtual PM conference which provides all kinds of PM presentations, an exhibit hall with vendors and a lounge where you can network and exchange ideas with others. The fact that it's ALL virtual is very cool. And if you can't listen to the sessions in real time, they are available to replay for about three months after the actual event for anyone registered.
What PMI Atlanta initiatives are you most excited about?
I am excited about the new format for PMI Atlanta - dinner meetings every other month rather than every month. I look forward to the different activities that will be presented during the remainder of the year. Hopefully, the new variety will attract more new members and bring some former members back!
What leisurely activities do you enjoy? Any little known fact that you’d like to share?
I love traveling, reading and laying in the sun. But my all time favorite activity, by far, is shopping! One can never have too many clothes and I love a good sale.