{"id":26,"date":"2026-01-13T16:08:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T21:08:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/pmconference\/?page_id=26"},"modified":"2026-10-08T16:01:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T20:01:37","slug":"speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/pmconference\/speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Featured Speakers <\/h1>\n

Sara Gallagher<\/h2>

\nPresident of The Persimmon Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\"SaraSara is a recognized expert in strategy execution, PMO leadership, and project portfolio management. She has helped organizations \u2014 from Fortune 500s to fast-moving startups \u2014 untangle the real barriers to execution, from siloed teams and shifting priorities to PMOs that have lost their purpose.<\/p>\n

A frequent speaker, author, and instructor, Sara has contributed to the Project Management Institute’s global standards and delivered international keynotes and whitepapers on strategy execution, organizational change, and high-performing teams. Her consulting portfolio spans industries including energy, finance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology, with projects ranging from industrial mega-projects to enterprise transformations.<\/p>\n

Sara is also the author of Big Dumb Questions, a newsletter for PMO leaders and executives who want to see strategy move off PowerPoint and into the real world. Sara holds the Project Management Professional (PMP\u00ae), PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP\u00ae), and Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) certifications, along with a BA from Emory University.
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Pastor Justin Lester<\/h2>

\nAuthor, Educator, Strategist, Founder of TheoXTech and PastorGPT<\/em><\/p>\n

\"PastorRev. Dr. Justin R. Lester is a pastor, author, educator, and strategist committed to building joyful, justice-driven communities. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo, California, where he leads a multigenerational, tech-forward congregation into deeper discipleship and civic impact. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from Marquette University, an M.Div. from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a D.Min. from Boston\u00a0University School of Theology. His doctoral work focused on gamification in the Black Church, rethinking how spiritual engagement can be revived through play, design, and innovation.<\/p>\n

Known online as @ThatTechPastor, Dr. Lester is an international voice at the intersection of faith and AI. He is the creator of PastorGPT, an AI platform built to serve pastors and churches, and the founder of TheoXTech, a national conference exploring theology, innovation, and emerging technology. He has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN for his work on human agency in the age of artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n

Dr. Lester is an adjunct professor at Virginia Union University’s School of Theology and serves on the Board of Advisors at Hampton University School of Religion, and the Board of Directors for the Black Religious Scholars Group.<\/p>\n

Most of all, he is the proud husband of Courtney and father to Camden. Dr. Lester is the author of The Agentic Church and the Brown Dad, Brown Boy children’s series.
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Candice Benson<\/h2>

\nCEO, Program Management Expert, PMO Leader, Board Member, Speaker, Business Consultant, Change Agent<\/em><\/p>\n

\"CandiceCandice Benson is the Founder and CEO of Benson Consulting, where she works with CIOs, CISOs, and executive leadership teams to help organizations successfully execute complex technology and transformation initiatives. With more than 20 years of experience in project leadership and organizational change, she specializes in helping enterprises align strategy, governance, and teams to deliver large scale initiatives in high pressure environments.<\/p>\n

Her work spans industries including technology, finance, utilities, life sciences, manufacturing, academia, and nonprofits. Candice has led and stabilized complex programs ranging from enterprise technology modernization to large M&A integrations and global operational transformations. Her work has taken her across the United States and internationally to London, Malaysia, Sydney, and Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

Candice is a certified Change Intelligence practitioner and Prosci Change Practitioner and Trainer, and she holds Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma certifications. She is known for helping organizations close the gap between strategy and execution so leaders can deliver the initiatives their organizations depend on.<\/p>\n

She earned her bachelor\u2019s degree from Rutgers University. Candice lives in Bedford, New Hampshire with her three daughters.
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Star Dargin<\/h2>

\nSoftware Engineering Manager, Coach, Author, Part-Time Lecturer, BU<\/em><\/p>\n

\"StarStar Dargin is the Gratitude Gap Closer. She helps leaders close the invisible gap between what they intend and what is experienced. Her work detects patterns and translates human into specific, observable behaviors leaders can strengthen.<\/p>\n

Star began her career as a software engineer and went on to lead engineering teams, multimillion-dollar programs, and complex initiatives during periods of significant technological change. For more than 25 years, she has coached leaders, and for more than 20 years she has taught graduate-level project management at Boston\u00a0University. Her approach combines an engineer\u2019s analytical thinking, a project manager\u2019s discipline, and an executive coach\u2019s curiosity and human connection.<\/p>\n

Star\u2019s second book, released this year, is The Gratitude Gap: Transforming Leaders to Create More Human-Centric Workplaces and Leading with Gratitude. A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), she brings decades of technology, project leadership, and coaching experience across multiple industries to a question becoming increasingly important as AI changes how we work: How do we become more intentional about how we lead as humans?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Jennifer Christopher<\/h2>

\nSenior Aerospace Systems Engineer, NASA<\/em><\/p>\n

\"JenniferJennifer L. Christopher is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and senior NASA Aerospace Systems Engineer with twenty-six years of experience advancing some of NASA\u2019s most complex human spaceflight and technology initiatives. Her career at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) spans International Space Station operations, Artemis mission integration, and Advanced Nuclear Technology. She specializes in strategic planning, engineering, and project management for mission-critical initiatives and is known for bridging technical and business perspectives.<\/p>\n

Jennifer has built her career at the intersection of people, technology, and mission execution. Her leadership philosophy centers on the project manager as Chief Integrator, connecting technical, programmatic, organizational, and human dimensions to turn ambitious objectives into executable missions. Her current role focuses on advancing NASA\u2019s nuclear technology development for future space exploration missions.<\/p>\n

Her academic background includes bachelor\u2019s degrees in both Computer Science and Mathematics, and a master\u2019s degree in Management Information Systems. She is also an MIT Certified Systems Architect and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. She was selected as one of two MSFC project managers to participate in NASA’s Project Management Success Lab, an intensive agency leadership development program.<\/p>\n

A dedicated mentor and active contributor to the project management community, Jennifer shares lessons learned from a career spent transforming ambitious space initiatives into successful mission outcomes. Her career is driven by a commitment to bringing exceptional people together, solving problems that matter, and advancing the technologies and mission capabilities that will shape the future of human space exploration.<\/p>\n

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Timothy Wharton<\/h2>

\nManagement and Program Analyst, NASA<\/em><\/p>\n

\"TimothyTim Wharton, a 2022 graduate of BU’s MS Project Management program, is from Huntsville, AL. He recently completed a 28-year career in the US Navy’s nuclear propulsion field and served aboard submarines and aircraft carriers around the world. He began his career as a junior mechanic in a submarine engineroom, and became a nuclear trained officer managing complex technical projects and leading challenging operations at sea.<\/p>\n

After leaving the Navy, Tim joined the NASA team at Marshall Space Flight Center supporting space nuclear propulsion as a project manager. His efforts promote the advancement of space nuclear technology, and the SR-1 Freedom project which will deliver helicopters to Mars and demonstrate space nuclear electric propulsion technology. Tim is a PMP and has been a prior speaker at the Project Management in Practice Conference and a guest speaker in BU courses.<\/p>\n

Tim’s hobbies include endurance sports, camping, waterskiing, and flying.
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Lambert Ofoegbu<\/h2>

\nPMI Fellow, Co-Founder PMI Nigeria, Construction Project Manager<\/em><\/p>\n

\"LambrtDr. Lambert Ofoegbu is a PMI Fellow, becoming the first recipient from Sub-Saharan Africa to receive PMI’s highest distinction. A distinguished scholar-practitioner, systems thinker, and global project leader, he brings more than 22 years of experience spanning construction project delivery, organizational transformation, risk management, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies. As co-founder of the PMI Nigeria Chapter and a past President Dr. Ofoegbu is a contributor to global standards including the PMBOK\u00ae Guide Construction Extension, OPM3\u00ae, and PM Competency Development Framework PMCDF\u00ae, he has helped shape project management practice across diverse industries and global regions.<\/p>\n

Currently an International Faculty member at Rome Business School, Dr. Ofoegbu’s work explores the intersection of AI ethics, infrastructure development, organizational resilience, and sustainable transformation. He is the developer of the Contextual Excellence framework, which examines how goal clarity, stakeholder alignment, and human-centered leadership enable organizations to navigate complexity and achieve lasting impact. He is co-author of Leadership at the Frontier: Wisdom from the World\u2019s Most Distinguished Project Management Minds<\/em>, a recent work advancing servant leadership and transformational practice in an age of rapid technological change.
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Wasim Chaudhuri<\/h2>

\nCEO, ReliSource, Chair of Board of Advisors, BU, Author, AI Researcher, Inventor<\/em><\/p>\n

\"WasimWasim Chaudhuri is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience driving innovation across healthcare, enterprise systems, and artificial intelligence. As CEO of ReliSource US, Inc. and Chair of the Board of Advisors for Boston\u00a0University Metropolitan College\u2019s Project Management Programs, he brings deep expertise in transforming complex business challenges into scalable technology solutions.<\/p>\n

Throughout his career, Wasim has held leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies including United Technologies, Warner Bros., and Crane Payment Innovations, as well as pioneering healthcare technology firms such as WIRB-Copernicus and CSafe Global. His work spans AI-driven clinical trials, secure payment systems, supply chain optimization, and digital health platforms, and he currently serves as Chairman of Charles River Partners, Inc. and an adjunct professor of graduate courses at Boston\u00a0University.<\/p>\n

A published author and holder of U.S. Patent #7,127,721, Wasim has contributed influential research on AI-driven protein prediction in drug discovery and the transformation of clinical trials through artificial intelligence, presenting his work at the European Alliance & Innovation (EAI) conference in Slovakia. His thought leadership bridges academic research and practical industry application, making him a sought-after speaker at international conferences. He holds an Executive Management credential from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Boston\u00a0University, and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from SRU of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

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Nye Warburton<\/h2>

\nDean of the School of Creative Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"NyeNye Warburton is Dean of the School of Creative Technology at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), overseeing programs in Game Development, Themed Entertainment, Applied AI, Immersive Reality, and Robotics. Before academia, he spent more than 25 years in Hollywood VFX and previsualization, with credits including Avengers<\/em>, Men in Black III<\/em>, Oblivion<\/em>, and Monster House<\/em>. At SCAD he grew the game development program to over 800 students and launched the Applied AI program. He writes the weekly essay series Nye’s Digital Lab<\/em> on how technology is reshaping creative work.
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Speakers and Panelists<\/h1>\n

Janani Amalraj<\/h2>

\nExperienced PM Leader, PhD Candidate<\/em><\/p>\n

\"JananiJanani is a PhD Candidate in International Business at Southern New Hampshire University, already having achieved an M.S. in Project Management with a concentration in Program and Portfolio Management, Boston\u00a0University.<\/p>\n

She has over 13 years of professional experience across project and workflow coordination, client operations, banking, team leadership, stakeholder and vendor management, training, and higher education. Her research interests span geoeconomic fragmentation, multinational location strategy, global value chains, supply-chain resilience, project management, and AI-enabled decision-making.<\/p>\n

She has been an invited speaker at Boston\u00a0University International Trade and Supply Chain Management courses, presenting on globalization, geoeconomic fragmentation, multinational location strategy, and supply-chain resilience, and has given conference presentations at the AIB U.S. Northeast 2026 Conference (interactive session) and the AIB U.S. Southeast 2026 Conference (poster presentation).<\/p>\n

Janani\u2019s scholarly focus is on bridging academic research and managerial practice to understand strategic decision-making in increasingly uncertain global environments.
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Pamela Campbell<\/h2>

\nSoftware Developer, Manager, Consultant, Therapist, Part-Time Lecturer, BU<\/em><\/p>\n

\"PamelaPamela Campbell has been a lecturer at Boston\u00a0University since 1999. After years of work with psychiatric patients, including running an Outward Bound-inspired group therapy program at the McLean Hospital, she transitioned to computer work while working on her Masters degree at Bentley University in CIS. Early in her career she participated in the development of the first computerized databases and information systems at the McLean Hospital. Later, she worked with the US and Canadian governments through MITRE, where she developed a Data Maturity Matrix for use in evaluating large database development efforts.<\/p>\n

She has 30 years of work experience in software development, large database design, and eventually many years as a manager developing and implementing training programs for technical instructors for BEA Systems (now ORACLE).<\/p>\n

She also consults with the remote-work company Bridging Distance, addressing the needs and interest of public and private entities in helping managers to develop skills in directing diverse teams, especially those with hybrid work arrangements. Her goal is to assist leaders and potential leaders in addressing the often conflicting needs expressed by those in hybrid environments.<\/p>\n

When not teaching or consulting she is happy breeding and handling her Nubian dairy goats and Suffolk Punch draft horses on her farm.
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Michael Cipriano<\/h2>

\nFormer Associate Vice Chancellor and CIO, UMass Lowell, Part-Time Lecturer, BU<\/em><\/p>\n

\"MichaelMichael Cipriano is a seasoned Information Technology executive and project management professional with extensive experience leading enterprise technology initiatives. He recently retired after twelve years as Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. His areas of expertise include enterprise-wide ERP and CRM implementations, technical infrastructure, strategic IT leadership, and project management.<\/p>\n

Michael has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Boston\u00a0University\u2019s Metropolitan College for the past thirty years, where he has taught a variety of project management courses. His combination of executive leadership, hands-on technology experience, and three decades of teaching provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today\u2019s project management professionals.<\/p>\n

Michael holds a BS from Boston College and an MS in Computer Information Systems from Bentley College.<\/p>\n

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Alex Elentukh<\/h2>

\nReal Estate Developer and Construction Project Manager; Lecturer, Boston University Metropolitan College<\/em><\/p>\n

\"AlexAlex Elentukh is a well-known real estate developer and construction project manager in the Boston area. His company, EFCBoston.com, features nine successfully completed residential projects in which Alex led the efforts and coordinated owners, municipal authorities, contractors, and specialized trades throughout the construction lifecycle. His portfolio includes new construction and substantial residential renovations in Brookline, Boston, Watertown, and Somerville.<\/p>\n

Since 2014, Alex has been a Lecturer at Metropolitan College of Boston University, teaching courses in software quality management. Alex has also taught in Northeastern University\u2019s State of the Art program. His industry experience includes positions as an Agile coach at EMC, enterprise architect at Fidelity Investments, and QA director at two successful technology start-ups, Jupiter and Reveal. He has authored numerous papers on software quality, reliability, and software-engineering practice.<\/p>\n

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Pete Groustra<\/h2>

\nAssistant Vice President for Projects, Programs, and Governance, Information Services & Technology, Boston University<\/em><\/p>\n

\"PetePete Groustra currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Projects, Programs, and Governance within Information Services and Technology at Boston University. In this role, he oversees project management, business analysis, continuous improvement, and change management practices within IS&T. A certified PRINCE2 and Agile\/Scrum practitioner, Pete has directed highly complex IT initiatives including managing the Wheelock College merger IT migration, various student engagement and constituent relationship management (CRM) implementations, and a program for replacing BU’s legacy mainframe student system in addition to various AI related projects aimed at improving student services and driving operational efficiency.<\/p>\n

Prior to BU, earlier technology leadership responsibilities included roles in the travel and insurance industries in addition to working at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He holds a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration from Boston University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Kenyon College.
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Aqib Jahangir<\/h2>

\nProgram Manager | Higher Education Technology Strategist<\/em><\/p>\n

\"AqibAqib Jahangir is a program and project management leader with expertise in digital transformation, portfolio governance, and organizational change. He leads strategic initiatives focused on operational excellence, Change Management and project management best practices within higher education and complex enterprise environments.<\/p>\n

He holds a Master of Science (Sc.M.) from Brown University, an MBA from Michigan State University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at Boston University. A certified PMP, Agile practitioner, and Prosci Change Management Practitioner, Aqib is passionate about helping organizations navigate transformation through effective leadership, innovation, and ethical use of AI.<\/p>\n

Recent speaking engagements have focused on predictive student success, AI-enabled transformation, and change management in higher education.
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Harold Kerzner<\/h2>

\nSenior Executive Director, IIL, Author<\/em><\/p>\n

\"HaroldDr. Harold Kerzner is Senior Executive Director for Project Management for the International Institute for Learning (IIL). He has an MS and Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Utah State University. He is a prior Air Force Officer and spent several years at Morton-Thiokol in project management. He taught engineering at the University of Illinois and business administration at Utah State University, and for 38 years taught project management at Baldwin-Wallace University. He has published or presented numerous engineering and business papers and has published more than 60 college textbooks\/workbooks on project management, including later editions. Some of his books are (1) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling; <\/strong>(2) Project Management Metrics, KPIs and Dashboards, <\/strong>(3) Project Management Case Studies, <\/strong>(4) Project Management Best Practices: Achieving Global Excellence, <\/strong>(5) PM 2.0: The Future of Project Management, <\/strong>(6) Using the Project Management Maturity Model, <\/strong>(7) Innovation Project Management, and <\/strong>(8) Global Project Management Playbook.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He is a charter member of the Northeast Ohio PMI Chapter.<\/p>\n

He traveled around the world conducting project management lectures for PMI Chapters and companies in Japan, China, Russia, Brazil, Singapore, India, Korea, South Africa, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Croatia, Mexico, Trinidad, Barbados, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Venezuela, Columbia, United Arab Emirates, France, Italy, England, and Switzerland. He has delivered keynote speeches at PMI Global Congresses on the future of project management.<\/p>\n

His recognitions include:<\/p>\n