Presentation: Jumping in the Deep End: Creating a PMO from Scratch
Abstract: Where do you start building common project management practices in an incredibly high-performing IT department? How do you introduce structure without disrupting innovation? The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Division of Information Technology (UMBC DoIT), known in the higher education IT sphere for its grit and agility, began its journey to formalize project management processes in late 2023. In this session, we will explore the challenges and successes of building a project management office (PMO) from scratch – much like jumping in the deep end of a pool when you’re learning how to swim.
This presentation will cover the steps involved in laying the foundation for a PMO within an established, dynamic IT environment. From defining what constitutes a project to implementing standardized processes, and a new project management tool, attendees will gain practical insights into how to foster buy-in, work on change management, and sustain project management practices in a high-performance organization.
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills
Biography: Ally Hepp is an IT Project Manager at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) within the Division of Information Technology (DoIT). Leading the DoIT Project Management Office, established in late 2023, her role focuses on building the office from the ground up and introducing project management practices across the division, in addition to managing the project portfolio.
Prior to her current position, she served as an Audiovisual Engineer at UMBC, where she implemented project management standards in classroom system design, installation, and programming campus-wide. She is highly engaged with the UMBC community, serving as an elected senator and executive board member on the Exempt Staff Senate, a mentor for UMBC’s staff mentoring program, and a loyal Commencement volunteer. Ally is highly engaged with the DoIT student workforce, organizing monthly lunch and learn events to expose student employees to different IT specialties and fields. Additionally, Ally has been a mentor for the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance’s (HETMA) PRISM scholarship program and the Women in AV and IT (WAVIT) mentoring program.
Outside of her professional career, Ally is an active volunteer with Swim Across America – Baltimore and FIRST Lego League of Maryland, serving on steering committees for both organizations. Ally is a Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), and Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) holder. She holds a Master’s degree in Technical Management from UMBC and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Audio & Music Production and Music Business from Lebanon Valley College.
