PMI: A Journey Through Project Management History
In the bustling city of Philadelphia, amidst the clinking of glasses and the warmth of camaraderie, Jim Snyder and Gordon Davis sowed the seeds of a transformative idea. Their 1969 dinner conversation ripened into the birth of an institution aimed at nurturing project management excellence. The genesis moment materialized on October 9th, 1969, at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Here, amidst the fervent discussions and shared visions, the Project Management Institute (PMI) took its inaugural breath.
PMI Founders, clockwise from top right: Jim Snyder, Ned Eng-man, Eric Jenett, Gordon Davis, and Susan Gallagher (center)
The subsequent decade, from 1979 to 1989, witnessed a paradigm shift in both technology and project management. As Motorola unveiled the world’s first mobile phone, PMI solidified its presence with the acquisition of its global headquarters. The release of the seminal “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)” laid the cornerstone for standardized project management practices, heralding a new chapter of professionalism and excellence.
The turn of the millennium, from 1999 to 2009, mirrored the discovery of the double helix with PMI’s burgeoning global outreach. Just as the double helix reshaped our understanding of biology, PMI’s DNA intertwined with international project excellence. With milestones like the 50,000th PMP® certification and the establishment of the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management, PMI’s influence rippled across continents, transcending geographical boundaries.
As the Burj Dubai pierced the heavens in 2004, symbolizing human ingenuity and ambition, PMI continued to ascend to new heights. With offices spanning the globe and a plethora of certifications catering to diverse professional domains, PMI cemented its status as the vanguard of project management excellence. The introduction of the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification and the passage of the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act in the United States underscored PMI’s unwavering commitment to innovation and progress.
In 2019, as PMI welcomed Sunil Prashara as its new president and CEO, it stood at the cusp of a new era, poised to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of project management with resilience and foresight. From a humble dinner conversation to a global force shaping the future of project management, the trajectory of PMI exemplifies the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to excellence.