Catherine Villada is a **PMP-certified management professional** with a strong track record in **international development, program operations, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)**. Passionate about **equity, environmental sustainability, and social impact**, she has successfully led **multimillion-dollar USAID-funded programs**, ensuring strategic alignment, efficiency, and fairness. With a **data-driven and collaborative leadership style**, Catherine has held key roles at **Integrity, Q2 Impact, and Social Impact**, where she managed high-stakes projects, advanced ESG initiatives, and mentored teams. Her expertise in **development economics, ESG strategy, and program management** makes her a trusted leader in driving systemic change and delivering impactful solutions worldwide.

Dr. C.J. Walker Waite, Ph.D., PMP, CCA, is a transformational project leader and strategic business consultant with over 35 years of experience driving organizational change and enterprise agility. As Executive Vice President of ThePraxisEdge.com, she has successfully led multi-billion-dollar digital transformation initiatives, guiding Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and multinational corporations through complex change landscapes. A former International Board Director of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Dr. Walker Waite is a globally recognized expert in governance, business strategy, and project leadership. A sought-after speaker and published author, she has delivered keynote presentations and contributed extensively to thought leadership in organizational transformation and business sustainability. Holding a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development from The George Washington University, she combines academic rigor with real-world expertise to empower organizations to navigate change, optimize performance, and achieve long-term strategic growth.

Alan E. Waite is a visionary executive, strategist, and leadership expert with over four decades of experience spanning government, education, entrepreneurship, and organizational transformation. As the CEO of Praxis Consulting, Inc., he has pioneered innovative methodologies, including Transformational Project Leadership (TPL) and Integrity-Centered Decision-Making (ICDM), to drive sustainable change and ethical decision-making in business and government. A seasoned educator, Alan serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, shaping future leaders in project management and organizational leadership. His extensive career includes consulting for Fortune 500 companies, co-founding an environmental technology firm, and leading nonprofit initiatives to support addiction recovery. An accomplished author and speaker, Alan has contributed to historical and business publications, with his latest book, To a Moral Certainty, set for release in Spring 2025. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in German, he brings a global perspective to leadership, strategy, and governance. Dedicated to integrity, mentorship, and transformational change, Alan seeks to leverage his wealth of experience to help organizations innovate and grow with purpose.

Building and sustaining high-performance teams in project management requires more than just technical expertise—it demands strong leadership, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment. Without direct authority, project managers must rely on communication, trust, and people skills to guide their teams effectively. A key component of this is investing in meaningful training opportunities that align with individual growth and career development, ensuring that team members feel valued and equipped for success. Beyond training, transparency, active listening, and an open-door policy create a culture of collaboration and innovation. When leadership is authentic and teams feel safe to take risks, performance flourishes, leading to increased loyalty and long-term success. However, sustaining this high-performance culture requires ongoing effort—complacency can lead to decline. Effective leaders continuously engage with their teams, encourage feedback, and nurture an environment where everyone works towards a shared vision.

With over 50 years of experience, Gary Mierkey is a trusted expert in electrical systems and construction management. His career spans large-scale projects, including federal infrastructure and military installations, where he has consistently demonstrated excellence in quality control, safety, and leadership. A Magna Cum Laude graduate in Computer Information Systems for Project Management, Gary combines technical expertise with strategic oversight to deliver impactful results. Guided by his personal motto, “Honesty is the cornerstone of all success,” he is now seeking to share his extensive knowledge and experience through board service opportunities in construction, electrical systems, and data center industries.