Systemwide Professional Development presents CSU's GOT TALENT, live webcasts featuring innovative & essential training for your professional and personal success!

The Accidental Project Manager

Have you ever been handed a project and thought, “Wait… how am I supposed to do this?” You’re not alone. Many of us end up managing projects—big and small—without formal training, and it can be overwhelming to juggle deadlines, people, and expectations. Join  October’s CSU’s Got Talent as we bring together Dr. Jerome Hilscher of Fresno State and Bree Lewis from the Chancellor’s Office for a down-to-earth conversation about what it takes to succeed as The Accidental Project Manager. They’ll share lessons learned and practical tools to help you tackle your next project.

 Presented by Guest Panelists from within the CSU

 Dr. Jerome Hilscher, Ph.D.

Dr. Jerome Hilscher brings more than 27 years of progressive experience in information technology, including 20 years of leadership roles across higher education, telecommunications, and financial services. His extensive background includes over 12 years in higher education leadership, most recently serving as associate chief information and technology officer (CITO) at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to align technology initiatives with institutional goals, manage successful organizational change, and build high-performing teams. (Bio courtesy of Fresno State)

Bree Lewis, PMP, CCMP

Breauna "Bree" Lewis is a strategic project and change management leader with 10+ years of experience leading large-scale transformation efforts across higher education and tech sectors. Currently serving as Assistant Director of CHRS Implementation & Change Initiatives at the California State University Chancellor's Office, she specializes in enterprise change strategy, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement. Her work has impacted all 22 CSU campuses, streamlining operations and driving adoption of systemwide initiatives. Known for her strategic thinking and practical approach, she's passionate about enabling organizational change through collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and thoughtful execution.

All CSU staff and faculty are invited to attend this free webcast training!

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Watch the recordings here: CSU Learn
Search: CSU’s Got Talent (click View All to see all of the episodes)

Technical questions: Contact Madeline Hsiao, Associate Production Director, at mhsiao@calstate.edu or 562-951-4525 prior to webcast day.