Chapter Leaders

Heather Benson is a high energy, enthusiastic leader with 15 plus years of experience running projects and programs in both technology and operations.  She has implemented multiple project management methodologies leveraging the best fit for the team and how they work.

Project management experience includes projects in the areas of ERP, data warehouse, enterprise systems,  strategic reporting, custom development, deployment and process improvement.   She is passionate about understanding her customers needs and ensuring they are met while balancing and delivering on what is best for the company.  Her broad experience in IT and business enables her to build the bridge between process, people and technology.

When not working she enjoys travel, theme parks, volunteering and time with family.

With over 15 years of experience in delivering projects in both IT and operations, Amy excels at solving problems and enjoys collaborating in a team environment. She has an innate ability to understand the details of an individual process and how multiple processes fit together to form a system. This understanding ensures she is able to guide her project teams through process improvement efforts that strengthen the organization’s strategy. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Michigan State University, her Secondary Education Certificate from Eastern Michigan University, and her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. With this background in science and education, she has both the technical aptitude to understand complex systems and the ability to teach others.

Amy has found volunteering with the Huron Valley Chapter as the VP of Communications very rewarding and looks forward to continuing to support the chapter. While not working or volunteering, she enjoys taking her dogs on a walk with her 12-year-old son, metalsmithing, and spending time with friends and family.

Sachin has been within automotive and has worked for the Big 3 (Ford, FCA, and GM) as well as 2 Tier 1 Suppliers (Lear Corp and Calsonic Kansei). Sachin has been part of many launches, ranging from the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ to GM and Jeep SUVS as well as Ford F Series vehicles and supported companies in the capacity of engineering, program management, purchasing, as well as supplier quality. The most rewarding experience in his career has been in program management and bringing on new suppliers to OEMs. Currently, Sachin is with Toyota Boshoku and managing Toyota, Lexus, and New OEM programs.

Sachin is an active volunteer with PMI-HVC.

Smitha is a dynamic leader across several cross-functional teams in the healthcare industry with an emphasis on technology. She is a passionate communicator focused on building collaborative relationships to provide innovative solutions and drive business results. She has implemented enterprise level systems for finance, human resources, fundraising, volunteer management and inventory management.

Smitha has a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Mumbai and a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Eastern Michigan University. She is certified in PMP, Scaled Agile SAFe 5.0 and is a Six Sigma Black Belt.

She has been volunteering for the Huron Valley Chapter since 2018. As VP of Finance, she looks forward to supporting the chapter to grow its membership, provide excellent benefits to its members, and give back to the community.

Bob is a personable, enthusiastic, and accomplished business professional who thrives on consistently raising the standards of personal and professional excellence. Throughout his 41-year IT career, Bob has worked in a variety of industries including electric utilities, insurance, government, law enforcement, banking, technical services, program/project management consulting, and PMO management.  

Bob received high honors from several enterprises for senior leadership, customer focus, problem solving and delivering results. His vision and ability to build lasting relationships leads to long-term solutions and success.

Bob is most fulfilled when helping other people grow professionally. Bob embraces the core values of mentorship, coaching and Servant Leadership.  He believes that servant leaders are people who practice a leadership philosophy that enriches the lives of individuals and builds better organizations.  

Bob is currently an active volunteer with the PMI Huron Valley Chapter (HVC) serving as VP of Programs and Webmaster.  He looks forward to his continued support of the PMI-HVC. 

Bob’s primary philosophy is “collaboration and teamwork are keys to project success”.  Project Managers are an essential bridge between multiple stakeholders to ensure that the project is executed within the best possible manner so that customer delight is maintained while business interests are fully preserved. 

Bob is a native of Metro Detroit where he completed his BS degree in Computer Systems.  Bob and his wife reside in Livingston County, raised two children, enjoys camping, and being with family. 

Chet is a well-rounded Project Manager with years of experience in various roles as a PM/BA/QA across the SDLC (Agile/Waterfall) in the Finance, Banking, Marketing and Food Service industries.  He has experience managing global project resources across multiple time zones. Other responsibilities included developing PMO documentation standards and training as well as undertaking strategic planning with Executive Management.

Chet has served as VP of Administration since 2021 and has volunteered with the chapter since 2018 - lending a helping hand during chapter events and as a member of the outreach committee which seeks to promote the project management profession to academic organizations, businesses, professional associations, and community interest groups that PMI-HVC serves.

He holds an MBA in International Business and Finance and a Bachelors in Accounting. Personal interests include Movies, Music and Sports. Chet also volunteers with Weso, Michigan Athletics, and Ann Arbor Cycles.