Elections

The PMI Tampa Bay 2026 Board Elections are open. Active members have received a personalized voting link. Voting closes at 11:59 PM on December 31st, so please don't delay!

Here's a look at the candidates for our open VP of Member Services and VP of Programs positions.

VP of Member Services

Luciano Fretts

Bio

Luciano Fretts is a Senior Construction Project Manager with extensive experience delivering complex commercial, industrial, and infrastructure-related projects. He manages the full project lifecycle from pre-construction through closeout, with a strong focus on budget control, schedule management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication. 

Luciano has worked on projects involving active facilities, owner’s representation, interior renovations, ground-up construction, and industrial environments. He is known for his disciplined yet collaborative management style, his ability to bridge traditional project management practices with adaptive approaches, and his commitment to professional development and mentoring within the project management community. 

Qualifications

I believe I am a qualified candidate for the VP of Member Services position because of my hands-on leadership experience, strong organizational skills, and commitment to serving others. In my professional career, I work closely with diverse teams and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication, alignment, and engagement—skills that directly translate to supporting and enhancing the member experience at PMI Tampa Bay. 

As a PMP-certified professional, I am deeply aligned with PMI’s values and standards. I am passionate about mentoring, member engagement, and creatinginclusive environments where professionals feel supported, connected, and empowered to grow. 

Vision for the Position

As VP of Member Services, I want to create a new volunteer mentorship program that connects experienced professionals with new and growing members. The goal is to support career development, learning, and leadership growth. 

I also want to use my skills and professional contacts to increase volunteer engagement and member participation. By focusing on mentorship, collaboration, and inclusion, I hope to improve the member experience and help PMI Tampa Bay continue to grow. 

Kat Herisse

Bio

Karen “Kat” Herisse is a trailblazing professional with a unique blend of expertise in the field of information technology, complemented by a strong foundation in journalism. Armed with a Master's degree in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia Journalism, Kat has navigated the convergence of technology and communication through Project Management. Kat's academic achievements reflect her dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements while maintaining a keen awareness of the importance of effective communication. 

 Currently, Kat is a member of SISTUHS, Inc., a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to community service. She has served the Organization as the former Director of Correspondence for the National Board of Directors. During her tenure with SISTUHS, Inc., she has completed over 1000+ hours of community service and has facilitated in many signature events for the Tampa, Florida Chapter - such as Little SISTUHS Mentorship Program, annual Scholarship Luncheon, Women's Retreat, and Male Appreciation.  
 
Kat serves on the Board of Directors for MERGE, Inc., another non-profit dedicated to assisting the youth and providing students with the tools needed to plan for success. MERGE provides college tours, care packages, and career planning through individual consultations, workshops, and mentoring. As a Board Member, Kat has assisted with establishing scholarships for students in continuing education. 

Kat Herisse's story is one of breaking barriers, defying conventions, and embodying the spirit of innovation. When she is not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with family, community service, and photography in her spare time. She currently holds a red belt in Ninjutsu, martial arts.  

Qualifications

• Key strengths: Relationship-Building & Member Experience, Process Improvement & Organization, Data-Driven Insights, Communication 

• Kat’s background as a project manager and past Board Members from other organizations helps with flexible approach

Vision for Position

Kat believes in servant leadership and hopes to use her ability to build community engagement. She plans on focusing on the "member experience" as the forefront of the Board of Directors' role. Her goal is to turn every new member into an engaged member — and every engaged member into a lifelong community advocate. 

• Comparing current engagement to past trends will reveal what drives members away or keeps them active 

• This data-driven approach supports targeted program adjustments and resource allocation 

•  Strategy is rooted in understanding member needs before making sweeping changes, ensuring relevance and impact 

VP of Programs

Michael Bird

Bio

Michael Bird is a senior professor, project/program leader, and author committed to advancing the project management profession through practical, engaging learning experiences. Prior to entering the field of education, he managed IT projects for Carnival Cruise Lines, experience that continues to shape his practical, real-world approach to project delivery. He designs and facilitates webinars, panels, and interactive sessions that translate concepts into tools professionals can apply immediately. His focus areas include agile-to-hybrid delivery, leadership and stakeholder communication, risk and procurement management, and the impact of AI on modern project work. He is the author of Lead the Machines: A Project Manager’s Guide to Success in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, among other books. 

Qualifications

Michael is a qualified candidate for VP–Programs because he brings proven experience building structured, high-quality learning events from end to end—planning topics, coordinating speakers, managing schedules and logistics, and keeping audiences engaged. As an educator and practitioner, he understands how to align content to professional development needs, communicate clearly, and create a welcoming environment for members at different career stages. He also brings thought leadership and strong organizational skills that support consistent delivery and continuous improvement across a full program calendar. 

Vision for Position

In the VP–Programs role, Michael hopes to deliver a reliable, high-value lineup of programs that earns PDUs, increases member engagement, and strengthens partnerships across the Tampa Bay community. He plans to introduce speaker series such as Tampa Bay PM Case Study Nights, an Agile-to-Hybrid Delivery track, Future-Ready PM sessions on AI and digital delivery, Leadership in the Real World, and Career Accelerator events with hiring managers and senior practitioners. His goal is for every event to provide actionable takeaways, build community, and reinforce PMI Tampa Bay as a go-to hub for professional growth. 

Gregory Wilson

Bio

Gregory Wilson is a construction and operations leader with extensive experience in commercial general contracting, construction management, and organizational transformation. He currently serves in a senior operations leadership role with a Tampa Bay based general contractor delivering CM/GMP projects across higher education, K-12, municipal, healthcare, and specialty markets. Gregory is actively involved in implementing scalable systems, including EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Procore, and Microsoft-based workflow solutions, to improve transparency, accountability, and project outcomes. He is an engaged PMI volunteer and board-level contributor focused on advancing collaboration between project management professionals and the AEC industry. 

Qualifications

I bring a combination of hands-on project delivery experience, executive-level operational leadership, and demonstrated service to PMI. My background includes leading multidisciplinary teams and designing structured programs that translate strategy into measurable outcomes. I have created and implemented programs focused on improving efficiency and productivity, including standardized operational processes, role-based training curriculum, and professional development pathways that support consistent performance and continuous improvement. This experience allows me to contribute to the planning, execution, and long-term sustainability of PMI programs that deliver practical value, meaningful engagement, and professional growth for members. 

Vision for Position

I hope to expand practical, relevant programming that strengthens member engagement and delivers real-world value. My focus is on supporting Special Interest Groups and industry-focused forums, encouraging leadership development among volunteers, and helping ensure long-term sustainability for the chapter. My objective is to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-looking PMI community.