Dear APMP Greater Midwest Chapter Members,
As I prepare to begin my term as President of the APMP Greater Midwest Chapter on January 1, 2026, I am filled with a sense of excitement and gratitude. Our chapter has a storied tradition of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, which I am honored to continue building upon in the year ahead.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the 2025 Board of Directors for their unwavering dedication, tireless work, and steadfast commitment to our members. This group’s efforts have made a profound impact on our chapter’s momentum and reputation. In particular, I would like to thank Karin Olsen Held, our outgoing president, for her visionary leadership and inspiring guidance. Under Karin’s direction, we navigated a year of remarkable achievements—including a successful Symposium in Kansas City, an outstanding networking event for our chapter at Bid & Proposal Con (BPC) in New Orleans, and being shortlisted for Chapter of the Year. I’d also like congratulate our outgoing Treasurer, Chang Sanders, for appointment to the National Board. Chang has been instrumental to GMC’s success and we’re excited she’ll be serving the broader APMP community and representing our Chapter at the National level.
Looking forward to 2026, I am thrilled by the opportunities that await us. We are welcoming several new and returning Board members to our leadership team. Their passion, fresh perspectives, and deep experience will be invaluable as we embark on the next chapter of our journey together.
One of my primary goals this year is to expand our member offerings and foster even greater connectivity within our community. Among the many new initiatives we are preparing to launch:
- AI-Focused Brown Bag Lunch Series: This monthly virtual series will provide members with practical insight into emerging artificial intelligence trends and tools relevant to our field. Sessions will feature guest speakers, case studies and opportunities to discuss and learn about AI tools, prompts and best practices to ensure actionable value to participants.
- Local Meetups Program: Our members have expressed a strong desire for more localized networking and collaboration opportunities. In response, we are thrilled to welcome Silke Cole back to the Board who spearheaded our Local Meetups years ago and will be rejoining to provide additional leadership support to members interested in hosting local meetings.
- 2026 Symposium in Milwaukee (August): Mark your calendars! We will be hosting our annual Symposium in Milwaukee this August. The program will include dynamic speakers, professional development workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues and industry experts.
- Bid & Proposal Con (BPC): The national conference remains a cornerstone event for our chapter. I am eager to see many of you there as we showcase the strength and diversity of the Greater Midwest Chapter, while expanding our professional networks and learning from the best in the industry.
- Industry Communities of Interest (COI): I am excited to introduce the formation of focused communities within our chapter—such as Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC), financial services, technology, and more. These groups will be designed to create new pathways for collaboration, problem-solving, and knowledge exchange, tailored to your specific industry’s nuances and challenges.
We recognize that the work we do, and the ways we do it, often differ across industries. Through these new Industry Communities of Interest, we aim to bridge those gaps, tapping into collective expertise and fostering meaningful connections throughout our expansive region.
Finally, as we set our sights on the future, I want to emphasize that our chapter’s growth and success are driven by the input and engagement of each and every member. Whether you have ideas for new programs, suggestions for how we can better serve you, or an interest in volunteering or getting more involved, I warmly invite you to reach out to me directly. Your feedback and participation are vital to shaping a Greater Midwest Chapter that delivers unmatched value to its members.
Here’s to a year of progress, innovation, and community. Together, I am confident we will make 2026 our best year yet.
With appreciation and anticipation,
Stacey Duwe, CP APMP
Incoming President APMP Greater Midwest Chapter
sduwe@gmcapmp.org
