Upcoming Events

Great Project Teams Win in March.

Bold Predictions on...How!

Bold Prediction #1

In fast-paced and complex work environments, alignment is critical. This session explores how integrity enables teams to collaborate more effectively and deliver reliable results. Integrity is often viewed as a personal value, but it is also a critical factor that influences how teams collaborate to perform effectively, systems function smoothly, and organizations achieve stronger outcomes.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the relationship between integrity, workability, and performance.

2. Recognize how misalignment between commitments and actions affects team outcomes.

3. Identify practices that help teams collaborate and deliver results effectively.

About the speaker

Suganya Umachandran is an Information Technology Manager with the State of Michigan – Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), where she leads and supports technology initiatives that enable critical public services across the State of Michigan. With over 19 years of experience with the State of Michigan, she has collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver technology solutions that enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen digital capabilities, and improve service delivery for state agencies. Suganya holds a master’s degree in engineering and has contributed to several statewide initiatives recognized for innovation and IT excellence in the public sector, supporting technology solutions that deliver meaningful impact for government services. She is passionate about leadership and organizational practices that enable teams to work effectively and consistently deliver strong outcomes.

Bold Prediction #2

Project management careers rarely follow a straight path. In this panel discussion, experienced project leaders will share insights from navigating challenges, career transitions, and leadership opportunities across different industries.

Through the lens of PMI’s Call to Action: M.O.R.E., panelists will explore how project professionals can strengthen their impact by managing stakeholder perceptions of value, expanding their perspective beyond project scope, owning success and accountability for outcomes, and relentlessly reassessing project parameters in response to change. 

Learning Objectives

• Recognize common career and project challenges 
• Expand organizational perspective 
• Apply resilience and adaptability techniques 
• Take ownership of project success 

About the Moderator

Vinod Surapaneni has over two decades of experience helping organizations transform the way they deliver value through technology, talent, and change. His career has spanned roles as Business Analyst, Project Manager, Program Manager, and now as Managing Partner of OP Consulting Group LLC, where we provide staffing, consulting, and training solutions to public sector agencies, higher education institutions, and Fortune 500 companies. Vinod specializes in guiding complex initiatives that demand more than technical expertise — they require governance, stakeholder alignment, and organizational change management. His certifications (PfMP, PgMP, PMP, PMI-ACP, OCM) reflect both breadth and depth across program management and change management disciplines.

About the Team Members

Sara Havenaar is a Client Manager with 29 years of experience in revenue cycle management at a Fortune 500 healthcare organization. She’s known for her steady presence, deep industry expertise, and the genuine relationships she builds with clients and colleagues. Throughout her career, Sara has guided teams and supported providers through complex financial challenges with clarity, patience, and care. Her approach is rooted in trust, collaboration, and a true commitment to helping people succeed. She brings warmth, insight, and nearly three decades of hands‑on experience to every conversation.

Mary Beth LaBelle is an Effective Healthcare Technology Leader with strong operational and technical experience in Cerner, Meditech, and Epic EHR and Revenue Cycle Applications. She has full knowledge of Epic implementations and can work with both Agile and Waterfall methodologies. She works closely with the C-Suite and Providers for successful outcomes and is comfortable with setting requirements with all teams or guiding a build team in a scrum.  Committed to professionalism, integrity and willing to assume responsibility at all levels. LaBelle is PMP certified with extensive experience as a Senior Epic Project Director - Clinical Applications, Device Integration, Revenue Cycle, Community Connect, and business leader. She has 12 years leading Healthcare Consulting projects for Epic and Cerner and Project leadership, Vendor Relationships, Sales, Marketing, Recruiting, and Client Management.

Natalie Lowell is a project management and community leadership professional with a passion for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. She currently serves as President of the Project Management Institute Western Michigan Chapter (WMPMI), where she works with a dedicated board and volunteer community to advance the profession through education, collaboration, and leadership development. Natalie’s career spans manufacturing engineering, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, marketing, and residential real estate, where she has built partnerships that support talent development and regional growth. 

FREE PARKING  The Event is held In-Person at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Please park in the Vandenberg Parking Lot (5/3 building). Entrance to GR Chamber shown in the photo. There is a virtual option for in remote locations.