2017 Awards
PMI AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR AND FOR PROJECT OF THE YEAR FOR 2017
By Ben Yuan, PMP, Awards Committee Lead
The Honolulu Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) presented its awards for Project of the Year and for Project Manager of the Year at its 2017 Annual Meeting on November 3rd at Waialae Country Club. The award for Project of the Year went to Bank of Hawaii. Project Manager of the Year went to Stewart Chong, PMP, Hawaiian Electric Engineering Department, Project Manager.
PMI Project of the Year: Bank of Hawaii – Cardless Cash Project
The award for Project of the Year went to Bank of Hawaii this year. Bank of Hawaii enabled the functionality for our customers to make cash withdrawals at our ATMs via our mobile application using a QR Code on the ATM screen and without having to use a physical debit or bank card. Bank of Hawaii launched this new and innovative service to position the brand as being a leader in technology and innovation. The runner up award went to Hawaiian Airlines whom relocated their Cargo and GSE (Ground Handling Equipment) operations into the State’s new facility at the ITO airport in a short timeframe. Both projects were briefly highlighted in presentations made by key project personnel. Brannon Naito and Matthew Pollard from BOH shared perspectives on the Cardless Cash project, and Leschon Serrano from Hawaiian Airlines presented their cargo relocation project.
The launch of Cardless Cash will help in positioning the Bank of Hawaii brand as a leader in technology and innovation. Bank of Hawaii was able to establish a first-mover market leadership position in mobile. In addition, Bank of Hawaii was the first in the State to provide this new functionality via the e-Bankoh Mobile Banking App. Bank of Hawaii anticipates that the launch of Cardless Cash will result in incremental DDA openings and will allow for cost savings due to charge off reductions as a result of a more secure way to conduct transactions through the e-Bankoh Mobile Banking App. Additional security benefits included no card or transaction information stored on the device, reduction in fraud: avoids card skimming devices, and quicker transaction. This was great accomplishment and you have probably seen the Cardless Cash commercials this past year. It was truly a massive effort and it was cutting edge not just in Hawaii but in the United States. Go Team Bankoh!!
2017 Project of the Year: Brannon Naito, Project Sponsor and Matthew Pollard, Project Manager
PMI Project Manager of the Year: Stewart Chong, PMP
Three individuals were recognized for their nominations as Project Manager of the Year. Adam Ma and Stewart Chong were both nominated from Hawaiian Electric and David Grady was nominated from Hawaiian Airlines. Stewart was selected as the Project Manager of the Year.
Ben Yuan, Adam Ma, Stewart Chong, Dave Grady, Christian Ocasio Gonzalez
Stewart has been with Hawaiian Electric for five years and in this short time, has gained substantial knowledge of the organization, as well as the overall environment of the energy industry. Stewart is able to quickly identify and work with the individuals necessary to move his projects forward. Through his recent accomplishments on the Honolulu Rail Transit project, Stewart has proven to be an exceptional Project Manager. His ability to coordinate and address identified risks and issues with a large group of stakeholders on extremely sensitive and often controversial issues is a testament to his communication and collaboration skills. Stakeholders range from field crews, construction contractors, governmental agencies, operation and maintenance departments, engineering departments, executives, and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART).
Christian Ocasio Gonzalez, Professional Development Director and Stewart Chong, Project Manager
Stewart’s management style is extremely customer focused, and he works diligently to address the needs of both internal and external customers. He positively anticipates customer needs and leads his project teams in a professional and responsive manner, earning the respect and trust of his team members, external parties and executives. Congratulations Stewart.
Awards Criteria
Finalists and winners were elected based up of volunteer judges from senior project professionals from PMI Region 7.
The Project of the Year criteria included:
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- Monitoring and Controlling
- Closing
- Overcoming obstacles
- Meeting owner/client Needs
The Project Manager of the Year criteria included:
- Project Management performance
- Project Management best practices
- Unique team leadership/motivation
- Advancement of profession
PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR AND PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Each year The Honolulu, Hawaii Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) seeks to acknowledge Project Management (PM) professionals and PM organizations for outstanding performance in the field. Nominations and awardees may come from any industry.
The call for nominations starts in the Fall and selection os winners is conducted by impartial Chapter Leaders and PM Professionals within PMI external to the Honolulu, Hawaii Chapter. The winners and runner-ups are announced at the PMI Honolulu, Hawaii Chapter Annual Dinner usually held in November.
All nominees as well as individuals who submit nominations receive a free invitation to the Annual Dinner to witness the presentation of awards and honor the winners.
Awards Criteria
Finalists and winners were elected based up of volunteer judges from senior project professionals from PMI Region 7.
The Project of the Year criteria included:
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- Monitoring and Controlling
- Closing
- Overcoming obstacles
- Meeting owner/client Needs
The Project Manager of the Year criteria included:
- Project Management performance
- Project Management best practices
- Unique team leadership/motivation
- Advancement of profession
Questions or inquiries may be directed to Professional Development Director.
