Speaker

Michelle Harris

Michelle Harris

DFW International Airport Sr. ITS Projects Manager PMO

Dallas, Texas, United States

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Michelle Scott Harris is a highly accomplished Senior ITS
Projects Manager and PMO leader, bringing over a decade
of experience in technology, aviation, and operations
management. With an MBA and a Master’s degree in
Information Technology Management, Michelle has
established herself as a results-driven leader adept at
optimizing processes, building high-performing teams, and
delivering strategic solutions that enhance revenue and
operational efficiency.

Currently serving at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
(DFW) leading the PMO, Michelle oversees the ITS Projects
Section, providing strategic leadership in demand and
capacity management, project delivery, and adherence to
organizational goals. Her tenure at DFW highlights her ability
to manage complex IT projects, build cross-functional teams,
and implement standards for excellence in project
execution.

Beyond her corporate career, Michelle has embraced
entrepreneurial pursuits as the Director of Operations for
Chelley's Closet, LLC, where she manages all facets of the
business, from financial reporting to customer engagement.
This entrepreneurial endeavor showcases her versatility and
passion for delivering exceptional customer service.

A certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a pending PMP,
Michelle is a proponent of continuous improvement and
operational excellence. Her technical proficiency spans tools
like Sciforma, AutoCAD, SQL, Oracle Fusion, and Microsoft
Office, making her a versatile and skilled professional.
Michelle is also volunteers her time as the Assistant Vice
President of Applied Project Management at Project
Management Institute Dallas Chapter.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Michelle is a
passionate dancer and personal chef, combining creativity
with discipline in all her endeavors. She holds a Bachelor’s
degree in Business Management and has consistently
pursued professional development, including her recent
completion of the Tech CxO Excellence certificate program
at Southern Methodist University.

Michelle's leadership philosophy revolves around mentorship,
fostering team growth, and delivering measurable
outcomes. Whether leading large-scale projects or
mentoring the next generation of professionals, Michelle
remains dedicated to excellence, innovation, and driving meaningful impact.

Area of Expertise

  • Information & Communications Technology
  • Transports & Logistics

Topics

  • Project Management
  • Project & Portfolio Management
  • PMO
  • IT Operations

The Evolution of the PMO

We will begin by exploring the traditional PMO model, discussing its hierarchical structure, rigid processes, and one-size-fits-all approach. Using compelling project implementation statistics, I will illustrate the cost of inefficiencies in PMOs that fail to adapt. From there, I will introduce key elements that define a successful PMO—leadership, governance, standardized processes, technology, training, and stakeholder engagement—and demonstrate how these elements must evolve in today’s dynamic environment.

A major focus of the session will be the Employee-Centric PMO model, which prioritizes people, promotes flexible work structures, aligns roles with individual strengths, and fosters a healthy work-life balance. Attendees will understand how this model not only boosts employee well-being but also leads to better creativity, innovation, reduced turnover, and improved project success rates.

I will also introduce the PMO Maturity Model and help attendees assess their own PMO’s maturity level, providing practical steps for progression. We’ll explore how value delivery has become central to PMO evolution, transitioning from traditional PMOs to Value Delivery Offices (VDOs) that emphasize outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and holistic thinking.

To ensure an engaging and interactive session, I will use real-world examples, audience polling, and scenario-based discussions. Attendees will leave equipped with strategies to implement employee-centric and value-driven practices in their own organizations, along with tools to adapt processes, systems, and mindsets for long-term success.

My goal is to inspire attendees to place both employees and value at the heart of their PMOs, creating organizations that are agile, innovative, and strategically aligned with stakeholder needs.

Explore the transformation of Project Management Offices (PMOs) from traditional, process-driven models to employee-centric, value-driven organizations. Learn key elements of successful PMOs, understand maturity models, and discover how prioritizing people and outcomes enhances efficiency, innovation, and project success. Join Michelle Scott Harris, MBA, MSITM, for insights on evolving PMOs to drive strategic value and stakeholder satisfaction in today’s dynamic environments.

Michelle Harris

DFW International Airport Sr. ITS Projects Manager PMO

Dallas, Texas, United States

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