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Culture Before Control: Building a PMO with Influence, Not Authority

When rapid growth exposed the cracks in how projects were managed at USF Credit Union, building a PMO wasn’t optional; it was essential. But in a culture of “we’ve always done it this way,” how do you create structure without sparking resistance?

In this session, you’ll hear the real story of launching a PMO from scratch, without enterprise software, dedicated staff, or formal authority. Through storytelling, practical tools, and lessons learned, you’ll walk away with ideas for gaining buy-in, aligning projects to strategy, and fostering collaboration across departments. Whether you’re starting your own PMO or evolving one, this talk will offer inspiration and actionable takeaways for leading with influence.

Speaker Bio:
Brandon Thompson, MBA, PMP®, CCM
Director of PMO & Business Intelligence, USF Credit Union

Brandon Thompson is a strategic leader with a passion for building high-impact project cultures rooted in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. As the Director of the PMO at USF Federal Credit Union, Brandon led the development of the credit union’s first formal project office, creating a scalable model that balances structure with flexibility and influence over authority.

With credentials including PMP®, DASM®, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Certified Credit Union Manager, Brandon brings a unique blend of operational rigor and people-first leadership. Brandon is a champion of empowering teams, fostering transparent communication, and turning strategy into meaningful results.