Abstract: 

Thinking about building a Project Management Office (PMO)? You’re not alone but be warned: up to 70% of PMOs fail within their first three years. Why? Because most organizations focus on process before purpose, structure before sponsorship, and governance before goals.

This session offers a practical, no-nonsense introduction to what a PMO really is (and what it’s not), who needs one, and how to lay the groundwork for success. Whether you’re considering a PMO, being asked to build one, or are just trying to understand what they actually do, this session will help you avoid the common pitfalls that doom PMOs and equip you with the right questions to ask before you even open a spreadsheet.

We’ll cut through the jargon, bust a few myths, and leave you with a realistic roadmap for PMO success without losing your team, your momentum, or your mind.

At the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

Speaker Bio: 

Sabrina Poteat builds and transforms PMOs that turn strategy into execution. With 20+ years of experience across Fortune 500s and high-growth SaaS—including Cisco, SAS, IBM, Pure Storage, TSG, and QGenda—she's led enterprise portfolios, scaled delivery organizations, and driven measurable impact in complex, global environments.

Her leadership brand: calm in chaos, clarity in complexity, and results when stakes are high. She's overseen multimillion-dollar portfolios, scaled teams into high-performing organizations, and built frameworks that reduced onboarding timelines, cut risk, and accelerated growth.

What sets her apart is range and repeatability. She's delivered outcomes in healthcare, tech, and professional services by aligning people, process, and technology. Whether building a PMO from scratch, launching enterprise-wide frameworks, or guiding adoption of AI-enabled processes, she focuses on sustainable systems that deliver results.

Meeting Details:

Pre-registration Expires:  Day of event @10A CST. Registration is capped at 100 attendees.

Cancellation Policy: Event will be cancelled if we do not have a minimum of (6) or for other reasons out of our control. All attempts will be made to re-schedule it.

PDUs: 1 (Business Acumen)

Note:  Registrants will receive an MS Teams link via the confirmation email after registration.  Those using employer issued machines at home and connecting VPN may need to use phone for audio and a Smart device (table, PC or Smartphone) to view slides and video.  To increase engagement on an online event, we sincerely encourage you to enable your camera.  Use a Smartphone if your PC or MacBook does not have a camera.  

Substitution Policy: 

Substitutions will be allowed. Alternate Attendee will need to notify us who they are replacing. Contact [email protected] for any cancellations or Substitutions.

Video/Photo Release:

With the permission of our speaker/presenter, the Chapter reserves the right to record and share this session on its official platforms (e.g., YouTube Channel) in full or in part within 4–8 weeks after the event. By registering/attending this event, I understand the PMI Central Illinois Chapter or its representatives may take video/photographs of attendees at the above-identified event. I agree that the PMI Central Illinois Chapter may use such video/photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content. (Note: "If I do not wish to be photographed, I understand it is my responsibility to notify chapter representatives at the event.")

Questions?

For technical registration questions, email [email protected].

For any other questions, email [email protected] and/or [email protected].

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