Attendees will gain insight into what it truly means to lead with purpose, influence with & without authority, and navigate challenges with confidence in today’s evolving professional landscape. Whether you are an experienced leader or emerging in your career, this discussion will provide practical perspectives you can apply immediately. This session also connects to the broader mission of PMI Memphis which is to develop project leaders who not only deliver results, but also inspire, empower, and elevate those around them. We are honored to welcome Anjelica Hardin Hall, & Brett Lawson, of Leadership Memphis, who will share insights on leadership, community impact, and how we can all show up as leaders to help shape the future of Memphis.
PMI Memphis is excited to welcome FedEx Managing Director Chad Barton for an engaging discussion focused on building stronger connections between students and project management professionals through our growing partnership with The University of Memphis.
As organizations continue to seek future-ready talent, collaboration between academia and industry has become more important than ever. During this session, Chad Barton will share insights on the value of connecting students with real-world project management practitioners, creating mentorship opportunities, strengthening professional development pathways, and preparing the next generation of leaders for success across industries.
Attendees will explore how partnerships between industry leaders and educational institutions can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience while supporting workforce development, innovation, and community impact.
👥Presenter: Chad Barton
Chad Barton is a Managing Director at FedEx, where he leads enterprise portfolios spanning Platforms and Enterprise Services. In this role, he focuses on driving operational efficiency, modernizing technology capabilities, and enabling data-driven decision making across complex, large-scale environments.
Throughout his career, Chad has led cross-functional teams responsible for infrastructure, application platforms, and enterprise service delivery, consistently aligning technology strategy with business outcomes. His work centers on organizational transformation, operating model design, and the practical application of technology to solve real-world operational challenges.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Chad serves as Vice Chair of the Board for Orion Financial, where he supports governance and strategic direction for one of the region’s most recognized financial institutions.
Chad is also an active supporter of developing the next generation of project management professionals. He plays a key role in the long-standing partnership between the PMI Memphis Chapter and the University of Memphis, helping guide the MIS3885 Strategic IT Project Management course. Through this program, he coordinates industry mentors and judges who bring real-world experience into the classroom, providing students with hands-on exposure to project management principles.
Chad is passionate about bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice and equipping emerging professionals with the skills needed to succeed in dynamic, technology-driven organizations.
🪙PDUs:
Attendees Receive 2 PDUs (all credentials): 2.00
🍽️ Catering Provided By: J. Benard
🎁 Giveaways • 🤝 Networking • 📦 Project Insights
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and gain valuable insights at this month’s chapter event.
