The Future of the PMO: Leveraging AI While Leading with Human-Centered Skills

Ways of Working

Amir Khamseh

Private Consultant

About the Presentation

This session explores the evolving role of the Project Management Office (PMO) in a rapidly changing business landscape. We will discuss how PMI Global’s initiatives are shaping the future of project management and how AI can be used as a powerful tool to enhance—not replace—the work of project managers. Emphasis will be placed on the human elements essential to PMO success, including empathy, emotional intelligence, and strategic leadership. Participants will examine the importance of maintaining a focused mindset—prioritizing outcomes over reactive responses, completion over constant initiation, and balancing speed with meeting critical deadlines. The session will also highlight five key leadership traits that PMO leaders will need to thrive in the future.

Learning Objectives:

·         Identify the evolving need and purpose of the PMO in the future business environment.

·         Define the future role of PMOs in driving strategic alignment and delivering value.

·         Assess the impact and opportunities AI tools present for PMO operations and decision-making.

·         Compare and contrast current PMO methodologies and mindsets with those projected for the future.

·         Recognize the essential leadership traits required to guide PMOs in a technology-augmented workplace.

About Amir Khamseh

Amir Khamseh’s love and passion for the value a PMO brings to the business has been the driving force throughout his career. Leveraging his background as a product design and development engineer, and his experience as a project, program, and portfolio manager, Amir has led cross-functional teams in multiple industries—aligning product and service outcomes with the strategic objectives of the organizations he serves.

Amir served on the board of PMI Orange County for nearly nine years, holding roles as Director of Strategy and Governor (Finance and President). He holds the PMP®, PgMP®, and PfMP® credentials from PMI, as well as a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) designation from Scrum Alliance.

His academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin, a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, and an Executive MBA from the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business.

Amir began his career in design and development within the Aerospace (NASA) and Automotive (Chrysler) industries before transitioning to PMO leadership in the Medical Device and BioPharma sectors, working with organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, St. Jude Medical, Edwards Lifesciences, Royal Philips Medical, and Cryoport Systems.

Outside of work, Amir has been happily married for nearly 31 years and is a proud father of two adult children.