01.13.2026 WMPMI VIRTUAL DINNER EVENT
WMPMI's Virtual Meeting is a two-PDU event on topics from the PMI Talent Triangle.
Agenda:
- 5:15 PM Zoom Doors open
- 5:30 PM Host Welcome, Announcements, Speaker Intro
- 5:45 PM Rick Baker Presentation
- 6:45 PM Russ Parker Presentation
- 8:00 PM Conclusion
- The Zoom information will be in your registration confirmation email.
PDU: 2.0 (Ways of Working)
Session 1-Built for Growth: West Michigan’s Legacy and the Future We’re Creating Together
This session highlights the value of neurodiversity in the workplace, exploring how neurodivergent employees bring unique strengths that drive creativity and innovation. Participants will learn practical strategies to foster inclusion, provide accommodations, and enhance team dynamics. By leveraging diverse cognitive styles, organizations can build more equitable and high-performing teams.
Session Overview
Rick Baker, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber, reflects on West Michigan’s 175-year legacy of innovation, collaboration, and leadership, and how those same principles are shaping the region’s future. From advanced manufacturing and health sciences to housing, infrastructure, and placemaking, he highlights why intentional planning and strong public–private partnerships are critical to sustaining long-term growth.
Rick connects regional strategy to execution, emphasizing the essential role project managers play in turning vision into action. As West Michigan enters a pivotal decade, this session challenges project professionals to see themselves as catalysts for economic vitality, community impact, and sustainable progress.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize key economic and development trends shaping West Michigan’s future and their impact on projects and programs.
- Understand how collaboration and public–private partnerships drive successful large-scale initiatives.
- Identify how project managers can connect strategy to execution to support sustainable regional growth.
About the Speaker: Rick Baker
Rick is President/CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber. This 2,900-member business organization is actively engaged in developing strong leaders, supporting business growth, and advocating for a vibrant business environment that fosters economic prosperity for all.
The Grand Rapids Chamber’s vision is for the Grand Rapids region to be a dynamic, nationally recognized, top-of-mind community. Under Rick’s leadership, the Chamber has developed a strategic focus on three key areas: championing a vibrant, magnetic community, accelerating business growth, and fostering a positive business climate by relentlessly advocating for business.
Rick began his career in chamber of commerce management in May of 1988. He has held executive positions with chambers in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota before assuming his current position in April 2011. Rick’s career has allowed him to fulfill his passion as a fierce advocate for business.
Rick has an undergraduate degree in accounting from Upper Iowa University. He is a 1995 graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organization Management at the University of Colorado. He’s a former Board Member of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a member of the ACCE Metro Chambers Coalition, the United States Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, and Chair-Elect of the Board of Benefits Trust, a $500 million employee benefits organization.
Locally, he serves on the Boards of Directors of The Economic Club, The Right Place, Inc., Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Grand Valley Metro Council, Experience Grand Rapids, where he serves as Vice Chair of the Board, The Rapid, and the West Michigan Policy Forum.
Session 2-Built for Growth: PMP Exam Prep Strategies
This session highlights how Rus Parker assists project managers to grow in risk, leadership, and PMP® success. With his background in the Marine Corps and years of project management, he makes tough topics simple and easy to use. If you want clear tips, real strategies, and support to pass your PMP® exam and lead projects with confidence, you’re in the right place.
About the Speaker: Russ Parker
Russ Parker is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Officer and an emerging authority in project risk management. As the owner of 44Risk PM, LLC and the creator of the “The Bearded PM” YouTube channel, Russ teaches project managers to elevate their risk maturity through clear, practical methods grounded in real project environments.
He holds the PMP®, PMI-RMP®, and PMI-ACP® certifications and serves as a PMI-ATP Instructor for both PMP® and PMI-RMP® exam prep. Russ blends his high-stakes military planning experience with deep PMI-aligned expertise, helping teams move beyond checkbox risk processes toward proactive, strategic risk leadership.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and now based in bright and sunny St. Augustine, Florida, he brings clarity, authenticity, and mission-focused teaching to every event.
