Board of Directors

Name: Mohamad  Annan 
Role: President Elect 
Years with PMI-CCVC: 15 years

1. How did you arrive to this point in your career? 

I am fortunate to be raised on a farm where I must do something every day from cultivating to watering trees so we could have a fruitful season. My father and my mother, raising and nurturing me every day made the biggest impact on my career. Much like continuous improvement works in business, my friends and colleagues, particularly leaders from Caltrans and the PMI-CCVC local community, along with my project/engineering teams I work with, influence me to become better everyday.  Leading teams and serving the public with passion makes a big difference in my life everyday.  
 
2. What about PMI resonates with you? 

We are developing the next generation of Project management Professionals and elevating their potential while delivering impact to people, communities, and society at large. Making a difference using project management as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and transformation. 
 
3. Fun Fact 

I was born and raised on a farm and as a farmer, cultivating the soil and taking care of the roots of the trees is one of the most important items to have a fruitful season. 
 
4. Book recommendation – something “leadershipy” 

The 360-degree Leader by John C Maxwell. Also, The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner. 
 
5. Quote or meme, something that reflects your personal motto 

Lead with passion and respond appropriately to challenges or situations, but don’t dwell on the past. I quote my father here who said, “Don’t tell me what you did yesterday, yesterday is gone, tell me what you are doing today and what you plan to do tomorrow”. 
 

Name: Samuel Arciniega-Mares 
Role: President 
Years with PMI-CCVC: 3 

1. How did you arrive to this point in your career? 

As a leader, innovator, and communicator I have taken on opportunities that have led me to where I am today. As a professional, project strategist, and community partner, I bring more than 15 years of combined experience in leading and managing projects for non-profit, private, and public sectors.  I have learned from each opportunity, and as I continue my journey, I apply lessons learned to improve and make an impact in the new roles I undertake. 
 
 
2. What about PMI resonates with you? 

“Together we can” 
Together we can, one of Project Management Institute’s core values resonates with my personal belief that a team can accomplish intended goals by working together.   It is encouraging to believe that Project Management Institute members, across the globe, also believe that by working together, we can achieve anything. 
 
3. Fun Fact 

As a teenager, I became fanatic of how on-camara news broadcasters narrated news stories.  I realized that I could become a broadcaster to present in an entertaining and engaging manner. I completed a Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Marketing and a Mass Communications and Journalism certificate.  Although, I did not become a news broadcaster, I am an active Speaker, presenting to small and large audiceces in an engaging and entertaining approach. 
 
4. Book recommendation – something “leadershipy” 

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey 
 
5. Quote or meme, something that reflects your personal motto 

If you’re going through hell, keep going. – Winston Churchill 

Name: Edward Frankovic 
Role: Past President 
Years with PMI-CCVC: 8 yrs 

1. How did you arrive to this point in your career? 

I am thankful for many managers who were willing to give me the chance to stretch my skills on the job to include supervision and project leadership early in my career as well as to support my continuing education.  Similarly, my PMI chapter supported me progressing through various volunteer roles where I have had the opportunity to learn from many experienced leaders and hone my skills. 
  
2. What about PMI resonates with you? 

I have appreciated that while PMI is a huge organization, through the local chapters and special events they have managed to maintain a culture of inclusivity and family. Project management is a skill that is useful in every industry and we have many represented in our local chapter so the cross-polination of ideas has been eye opening. 
  
3. Fun Fact 

I like sci-fi books and shows. My whole family enjoys watching old Star Trek series together. 
  
4. Book recommendation – something “leadershipy” 

The Generosity Factor – Ken Blanchard and S. Turett Cathy 
  
5. Quote or meme, something that reflects your personal motto 
  
“Part of being a captain is knowing when to smile. Make the troops happy, even when it's the last thing in the world you want to do. Because they're your troops, and you have to take care of them.” – Captain Sisko (Star Trek DS9 “Rules of Engagement”) 

Name: John Briar 
Role: VP Administraton 
Years with PMI-CCVC: 10 yrs 

1. How did you arrive to this point in your career? 

I retired in 2022 from a 41-year professional career in Information Technology, serving both the private and public sectors with the last 20 years supporting higher education. Growing from an application programmer to an executive director of IT has been both challenging and rewarding, especially in how my role impacts others. I have managed small IT development projects and multimillion-dollar IT infrastructure projects in my career. 
  
2. What about PMI resonates with you? 

The mission of PMI to promote project management as a profession aligns with my passion of making a difference for others and building communities. Project management, much like information technology, spans all aspects of an organization and assisting PMI to provide resources and knowledge to enhance the profession is very fulfilling. 
 
3. Fun Fact 

I grew up on a ranch, raising and showing cattle with 4-H clubs and in FFA. I had always aspired to be a veterinarian. I entered Fresno State on the Beef Show Team and emerged 4 years later with a Business Administration – Information Systems degree.  Still not quite sure how that happened… 
  
4. Book recommendation – something “leadershipy” 

The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message by John C Maxwell 
  
5. Quote or meme, something that reflects your personal motto 

‘Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. Once you become a leader, success is all about growing others.’ – Jack Welch 

Name: Jake Fleener 
Role: VP, Finance 
Years with PMI-CCVC: 1 year 

1. How did you arrive to this point in your career? 

I first became interested in PMI during the pursuit of my MBA while working with the San Joaquin River Stewardship Program and the East Merced Resource Conservation District.  Close to this time, I transitioned into a biologist role with the California Department of Transportation.  As I navigated my career, the attainment of my MBA followed by an MS, Environmental Engineering, PMI has provided a solid foundation for me.  I currently serve as a Licensed Civil Engineer and am excited to represent PMI as its next VP, Finance. 
 
 
2. What about PMI resonates with you? 

During my educational journey, I was introduced to PMI by some important role models in my life.  The diversity of people, backgrounds, and professional industries resonate with me and I appreciate seeing how all of these components come together to support eachother.  The high ethical standards held by the members of this organization paired with my desire to give back have greatly contributed to seeking leadership opportunities within the PMI organization. 
 
3. Fun Fact 

In my free time, I enjoy making homebrew and consistently have available 8 rotating taps.  I have competed in American Homebrew Association events, winning Best in Show at the Fresno County Fair in 2019.  
 
4. Book recommendation – something “leadershipy” 

Lead like Jesus by Ken Blanchard 
 
 
5. Quote or meme, something that reflects your personal motto 

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity – Roman Philosopher, Seneca 

” 

Name:   Maren Byerlee
Role:   VP of Membership

Name: Maren Byerlee

Role: Membership Director

Years with PMI-CCVC: 5

1. How did you arrive to this point in your career?

I have worked in managerial roles for manufacturing companies for over 20 years- in both customer-facing & operations roles, consistently handling projects throughout my career. I obtained both my CAPM & PMP in 2022. This led to being offered the first PMO Leader role at my employer in December 2023, managing the strategic projects of the Executive Team & endeavoring to bring some project management discipline to a functional organization.

2. What about PMI resonates with you?

Learning, growing, and developing myself personally and professionally are my passions. PMI offers a great opportunity to grow, learn, and be in community with other professionals, while also having the opportunity to give back.

3. Fun Fact

I have recently taken up hiking and am always looking for a great nearby mid-level trail recommendation.

4. Book recommendation – something “leadershipy”

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown is a fantastic book about being a braver, more daring leader, no matter your title or position. The 2nd time I read it was earlier this year with peers as part of a book study and the content was much “stickier”.

5. Quote or meme, something that reflects your personal motto

Mother Theresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”