Joanne Guennewig , PMP

08/31/2006

Personal History
Joanne Guennewig has over 12 years of experience leading all types projects from system design to new product launches and operational process re-engineering. She earned her PMP in January of 2002 and her MPM from Keller in December of 2004.

Joanne's career in project management began she managed a system redesign project at Avondale FSB. Back then the bank didn't even know what project management was and neither did she, but during the years following that project she learned and built her skills working on financial systems and operational projects including the launch of a new lending division for the bank and their web loan application and approval system.

Following her tenure at Avondale, she served as Vice President at Credit Suisse First Boston where she managed projects for their Downers Grove office for their Fixed Income Division that reviews and approves for purchase by CSFB 8 billion dollars of mortgages annually utilizing software for which she managed the initial design and ongoing enhancement projects.

After CSFB sold the office, Joanne took a nice long sabbatical to reflect on project management and ultimately landed a position at Hewitt Associates as a Product Manager for one of their key consulting sites, TotalCompensationCenter.com. Additionally, Joanne has been teaching PMBOK based Project Management courses for Hewitt Employees as part of Hewitt's educational programs.

Best Project Management advice ever received
Don't sweat the small stuff, but don't ignore it either.

Your secret to effective Project Management
Listening and reading what team members are trying to tell you but don't say.

Why did you volunteer to serve on the PMI Board?
I have wanted to get more involved with PMI for a while and this felt like the right time. I want to start to give back to others some of what has been given to me.

Where do you recharge your batteries?
Hawaii when I can, otherwise just running, golfing or hanging out at home.

Why did you work to obtain an MPM (Masters of Project Management)? Two reasons really. One, the company paid for it. Two, because I felt it enhanced my skills / knowledge in a wide variety of areas that I wasn't always delving deeply into at my position.

Why did you leave your previous job after 10 years?
The company was sold and the new owners released all senior management staff. Luckily for me, I got a really great severance package and ended up with a wonderful job at Hewitt!

What is the value of PMP (Project Management Professional) certification?
I feel that the real value is that it provides employers and project sponsors know that you have the experience and knowledge to successfully manage projects. They can take this certification at face value and don't have to dig to determine if you “really” know your stuff!