PMI Houston's 2026 Election Slate

Manish Kumar

Manish Kumar is a Digital Program Manager at one of the largest oil and gas firms, where he leads AI-driven analytics, intelligent automation, and digital transformation programs across one of the world's largest energy technology manufacturing centers.

He holds a Master of Science in Data Analytics from the University of Houston–Downtown and serves as Vice President of Technology for the PMI Houston Chapter, one of the largest PMI chapters globally with over 5,100 members.

A recognized thought leader in enterprise AI and data analytics, he has spoken at the PMI Global Conference, the Texas Technology Summit, and the University of Houston–Downtown, and has published articles on AI and data analytics in industry journals.

He is also the organizer of ProductTank Houston, a professional community connecting AI and product management professionals across the Houston area.

Tia Dang

Tia Dang built her career on the factory floor long before it reached the boardroom. Manufacturing taught her how systems truly work—how one delay can ripple through an entire operation and how process discipline separates chaos from results.

That foundation led her into global e-commerce, where she helped launch more than 250 brands and product lines, applying manufacturing principles to the speed and iteration required in digital retail. She later expanded into digital marketing, transforming operational expertise into audience growth, brand positioning, and measurable business results.

After moving to Houston, Tia built a genuine cross-industry network spanning maritime, logistics, technology, and manufacturing through more than 25 years of hands-on project delivery. Throughout every stage of her career, project management has remained the operating system and technology the multiplier.

She holds PMP and CSM certifications, co-founded Everstead International, a Houston-based technology company, and developed her own framework for measuring operational time efficiency and productivity gains.

As VP of Communications, Tia is ready to bring PMI Houston exactly what the moment calls for: a connector who has worked across the industries the chapter serves, a communicator who turns networking into membership and certification growth, and an operator who approaches visibility with a clear plan, timeline, and measurable results.

Jamie Marzonie

Jamie Marzonie's vision is to "Deliver Value from Uncertainty." He brings practical experience and strategic insight in project management, project controls, risk management, decision management, and learning and development across industries including energy, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, and telecommunications.

With a global perspective, Jamie has consistently delivered value across both technical and commercial environments. He currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for PMI Houston and is a PMI Global CP Ambassador.

His career includes leadership roles with IPS / Linesight (Berkshire Hathaway), Albemarle, Enbridge, Subsea 7, Technip, Cameron Subsea, Heat & Control, and Rabbit Semiconductor, where he has focused on achieving success in complex, high-value projects while driving continuous improvement.

Jamie has volunteered for five years as Chair of the SPE-GCS MIT/CAN Committee and currently serves as Vice-Chair for a School Council. He is also an active member of AACE and the Society of Decision Professionals (SDP).

Outside of work, Jamie enjoys sailing, watching Formula 1, and occasionally running half marathons with his wife.

Carlos Salamanca

Carlos Salamanca is a Project Management Professional (PMP), educator, engineer, and international business leader with extensive experience leading projects, multidisciplinary teams, and business initiatives across the energy, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality management sectors.

His career includes leadership roles with organizations such as National Oilwell Varco (NOV), Chevron, consulting firms, and ISO certification bodies, where he has managed complex projects, developed strategic partnerships, and supported operational excellence.

Carlos has taught project management, supply chain management, logistics, operations management, and business courses. He is passionate about mentoring students and early-career professionals while connecting PMI principles with real-world industry experience.

An active PMI Houston volunteer, Carlos has served as the Energy Corridor Venue Lead. His volunteer leadership also includes Toastmasters International, AIChE South Texas Section, and the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC).

Carlos believes strong professional communities are built through collaboration, continuous learning, and meaningful member engagement. As VP of Programs, he is committed to expanding professional development opportunities, strengthening partnerships, supporting volunteers, and delivering lasting value to PMI Houston members.

Samant Kumar

Samant Kumar brings more than 20 years of experience in IT, portfolio and program management, Agile coaching, consulting, AI, and digital transformation. An engineering graduate with a double MBA in Finance and Marketing, he combines technical expertise with strategic business leadership.

His experience spans data warehousing, business intelligence, and cloud development, supported by numerous industry certifications including Advanced SAFe SPC, AI SAFe SPC, PMI-ACP, ICP-ACC, A-CSM, CSM, and CSPO. Throughout his career with IBM and Capgemini, he has led large-scale transformations and built high-performing teams.

Samant is an internationally recognized speaker, presenting at PMIC 2026, UT Dallas PM Symposium, PMI Houston Conference & Expo, Agile 2024, Texas A&M University, Rice University, Northeastern University, Harrisburg University, and numerous PMI chapters.

He currently serves as Director of Speaker Outreach for PMI Houston and is a Fellow of IETE, an Eminent Fellow of SAS, and a member of the Harvard Business Review and PEX Network Advisory Councils.

As VP of Programs, Samant plans to leverage his expertise in AI, Agile, leadership, and organizational transformation to expand professional development, mentorship, networking, career guidance, and practical learning opportunities while helping members prepare for the future of project management.

Brian Nguyen

Brian Nguyen currently serves as Director of Technology Operations for PMI Houston, a position he has held for the past two years. In this role, he oversees the chapter's technical infrastructure, including email systems, security protocols, and the ongoing migration to Dark Rhino.

Brian has also played an important role in supporting the 2023 and 2024 PMI Houston Conferences, contributing to the speaker committee, project team, and providing mobile application support during the events.

With a background in project management within the legal sector, Brian has managed initiatives including application deployments, office construction and relocations, and in-house software development. Prior to that, he spent 12 years supporting operations in the Gulf of Mexico within the oil and gas industry.

Brian continues to strengthen PMI Houston's technology services while introducing innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency and support the chapter's continued growth.