PLEASE VOTE  for your 2026 PMI-NEFL board members

Each year,  PMI NEFL membership votes for the board for the next two (2) years. 

Open positions this year include:  1) President Elect, 2) VP Technology, and 3) VP Membership 

Action required:  Please vote for one person per position.  An individual cannot hold 2 positions concurrently. 

Please see the nominees, the position they are applying for and an elevator statement for why they want you to vote for them for the position 

 

President Elect

Muhib Beekun

I have been a member of PMI and the NE-FL Chapter for 6 years.  I have served on the PMI Chapter board for 4 years, two years as a director and two years as VP Membership.  During this tenure, I drove membership growth, engagement and retention initiatives to drive project management excellence.  

As your President-Elect, my vision is to build a stronger, more connected, and future-ready PMI Northeast Florida Chapter that remains the go-to resource for project management professionals in our region. I will focus on three priorities: Member-Centric Growth, Operational Excellence and Community Influence. 

My commitment is simple: listen to members, empower volunteers, and deliver consistent value while keeping our chapter financially healthy and welcoming. I’m ready to lead with energy, respect for our traditions, and a clear focus on what comes next.

 

Michelle Defoe 

I have been a member of PMI, including the NEFL Chapter, for 12 years and have served on the board of directors for the past two years as Membership VP.  While on the board, membership has increased 22%.

My vision is to help strengthen PMI NEFL as a dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused community where project professionals feel connected, empowered, and inspired to grow. 

The value I bring is my commitment to collaboration and member-centered engagement. I am dedicated to strengthening volunteer engagement, supporting consistent execution across chapter activities, and promoting a spirit of service reflecting PMI’s global standards and local impact. 

 

VP Technology 

Muhib Beekun

I have been a member of PMI and the NE-FL Chapter for 6 years.  I have served on the PMI Chapter board for 4 years, two years as a director and two years as VP Membership.

As a candidate for Vice President of Technology for the PMI Northeast Florida Chapter, I aim to enhance our technological foundation to support our mission of advancing project management excellence while ensuring a smooth, member-focused experience.

As Vice President of Technology, I bring a pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset, a deep understanding of system administration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. My focus is on empowering PMI NEFL to operate efficiently and engage members effectively, reinforcing our chapter’s leadership in the project management community. 

 

Michael Thiessenhusen

I have been an active member of PMI and the NEFL chapter for 1 year since becoming PMP certified. In the past six months, I have been serving in the capacity of Director of Web Technology.

My vision as VP of Technology is to leverage innovative tools, including AI, to strengthen communication, streamline tools, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance member engagement across the chapter.

By actively seeking feedback from the Board and our members, I aim to continuously refine and elevate the chapter’s digital experience. 

 

VP Membership

Michelle Defoe

I have been a member of PMI, including the NEFL Chapter, for 12 years and have served on the board of directors for the past two years as Membership VP.  While on the board, membership has reached an all time high of more than 1,200 members.

I believe when we create meaningful experiences through professional development and volunteer opportunities, we build a chapter that inspires member pride. 
I will continue to contribute by creating initiatives to improve operations, enhance the visibility of PMI in the region, and align our programs with the growing needs of today’s project leaders.

I am dedicated to strengthening volunteer engagement, supporting consistent execution across chapter activities, and promoting a spirit of service reflecting PMI’s global standards and local impact which will deepens our presence across Northeast Florida.

 

Michelle Dennison

I have been a member of PMI for 3 years and the NEFL chapter for 1 year.  Having served on other non-profit volunteer organizations, I understand the commitment required to ensure that the non-profit's objectives are met.

If selected for the VP of Membership role, my goal is to strengthen the connection between our members, our chapter, and the broader PMI network.  
I plan to focus on three key areas. First, improving member engagement; Second, by enhancing volunteer development; and third, by strengthening retention rates on renewals. 

I believe the Northeast Florida chapter is positioned for continued growth, and I would be honored to support that momentum by helping members feel connected, valued, and excited to be part of our project management community.