Spotlight on Accomplished Project Managers: A Tale of Diverse Journeys

In the dynamic world of project management, success stories are as diverse as the professionals who bring them to life. Today, we have the privilege of peering into the inspiring journeys of two exceptional project managers, Brooke Wodziak, M.B.A, PMP and Becky Kottschade, M.A., PMP. Both distinguished individuals have mastered the art of project management and have been in influential roles as board members of the Project Management Institute (PMI) local chapter.

First up, everyone meet Brooke Wodziak, a versatile force in project management who embodies the essence of adaptability and continuous learning. With an educational background in geology and environmental science, Brooke's journey into project management was a fascinating evolution. Her career initially took her into public health departments and county environmental services, where she honed her skills in implementing and monitoring compliance programs.

As Brooke's path led her to the frontlines of disaster response and emergency preparedness, her innate knack for project management began to shine. Her experiences developed a skill set, bringing communities and services together to respond to critical events like hazardous oil spills or terrorism following the September 11th attacks. This role required her to utilize project management methodologies to define milestones and set tasks for multidisciplinary teams that may not have worked together before. Embracing this calling, Brooke pursued formal education in project management, eventually becoming a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Today, as the Enterprise Program Manager in the Education PMO and Strategy Group at Mayo Clinic, Brooke's expertise extends to strategic initiatives, growth planning, and innovative learning environments. The projects profoundly impact the education shield, encompassing five distinct schools within Mayo Clinic's broader education framework. The work ensures they have the facilities and innovative environments as well as resources to support and promote medical education and deploy the approach across the world to grow the healthcare of the future.

When asked to share her most valuable lesson from her experiences, Brooke explained, "What I enjoy most about project management is that the project work expands to bring so many people together. We have more in common than differences. I love the relationship building and finding differences in disciplines and approaches. I value diversity in thinking brought into projects, which has taught me to be more open-minded."

Brooke's dedication to leadership is also evident in her work as a local chapter PMI board member. As the vice president of communications, she keeps the community informed about upcoming events and career growth opportunities. Her diverse background, from environmental science to project management, is a testament to the value of embracing different experiences and backgrounds among our members.

Next up, Becky Kottschade's story is one of specialization and dedication. As the Director of Research Operations and Research Shared Services at Mayo Clinic, Becky has immersed herself in the complex realm of clinical trial operations. Her journey resonates with the transformative potential of project management expertise.

Becky's academic journey began with a degree in accounting, which she combined with a master’s degree in Health and Human Services. Her path led her into research finance, where she gained invaluable experience in finance operations within the research domain. However, her passion for process improvement and project management emerged as a driving force, propelling her into pivotal roles where she championed projects and streamlined processes.

To further enhance her natural talents, Becky earned a graduate certificate in project management from St. Mary's University, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to this area of expertise. She went on to obtain the esteemed Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, further elevating her credentials. Her daily task today is orchestrating clinical trial operations, logistics, and regulatory considerations as a director, contributing to advancements in medical research.

One of the impactful parts of Becky's journey has been her experience as a past PMI chapter board member in the role of Vice President of Finance. Becky shared, "I encourage people to volunteer wherever they can. This experience has built some of the best connections and finds others with like interests. Sometimes, it is challenging to get started because it is an extra task. However, finding the right volunteer space is also important and valuable from a personal perspective.”

Becky’s journey underscores the remarkable possibilities of combining specialized knowledge with project management acumen. Her willingness to volunteer her extra time to the local chapter made a difference by transferring her expertise to new members and continuing to support the journey for others to join the team.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence.

Brooke Wodziak and Becky Kottschade exemplify the multifaceted nature of project management and the ethos of continuous learning and professional growth. Their diverse backgrounds and unyielding passion for project management have led them to positions of influence in their professional career and in the local PMI community.

These two remarkable project managers remind us that project management is a versatile discipline that can be seamlessly woven into various career trajectories, elevating them to new heights of success. Through their dedication, Brooke and Becky have transformed their respective fields and will inspire others to embrace the transformative power of project management principles.

Written by Amanda Severson, Director of Journalism for the PMI La Crosse – Rochester Chapter.

?This article is part of the chapter communications and news for 2023.?#PMILacrosseRochester?

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