Introducing the new members of APM’s Volunteer Delivery Group

Association for Project Management (APM) is pleased to welcome three new members to its Volunteer Delivery Group (VDG); the group that oversees APM volunteering initiatives, supports volunteers to reach their ambitions and helps APM achieve its charitable goals.

Some of the group’s newest members took some time to introduce themselves and share opinions about volunteering and the profession.

Dr Nick Karamanis - Former Head of PMO at AlphaPlus, Award Winning PMO and Project Management Professional

What is your main reason for joining the VDG?

I have served the project management profession for the last 20 years, holding high profile roles and winning prestigious awards on the way, and therefore this post is my call to serving a higher purpose by using my experience to give back to the project management community. 

What are you most looking forward to working on with the group?

Having served as a volunteer, I understand first-hand the importance of the volunteering community. I’m looking forward to engaging with every volunteering group and its volunteers to identify their challenges and motivate them to be part of the solution that drives improvements.

What do you think is the biggest issue affecting the project profession that APM volunteers can help address?

Closing the talent gap and attracting more people into the profession, by being a part of a thriving APM volunteering hub that links academia and industry with practical insights on emerging trends for early career professionals. 

If your new role had a tagline, what would it be? 

People-centric with a hands-on and collaborative approach. 

What’s an insight from your career that you think will help you in this role?

Keep learning from each other and support our volunteers to excel professionally.

James Evans - Programme Manager, NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee

What is your main reason for joining the VDG?

I genuinely care about the profession and the people in it. I’ve seen how powerful volunteering can be when it’s done well, and I want to help shape something that gives others the same opportunities, support and sense of belonging I’ve experienced.

What are you most looking forward to working on with the group?

Bringing people and ideas together and turning them into something real. I love the energy that comes from passionate volunteers. I’m excited to help channel that into activity that actually makes a difference.

What do you think is the biggest issue affecting the project profession that APM volunteers can help address?

Too many people are figuring it out on their own. We’ve all been there – expected to deliver without the right support. Volunteers can change that by creating communities, sharing real experiences, and making the profession feel more open, supportive and human.

If your new role had a tagline, what would it be?

Helping people thrive in projects through connection, support and shared experience.

What’s an insight from your career that you think will help you in this role?

People drive delivery. Support them properly and everything else follows.

Gemma Parker, Portfolio Manager at the University of Southampton, has also joined the VDG. Rhona Hawkins of Pace XL Ltd has been re-appointed to the VDG for a second two-year term.

Sarah Slater, Senior Volunteering Manager at APM, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Gemma, James and Nick to our Volunteer Delivery Group and I look forward to working with them. Their knowledge and expertise will be a huge asset to all our volunteers, as will the ongoing support from Rhona, who joins us for her second term.”

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with APM, click the link here