Page 17 - 2019 PMAD Winners Booklet

Christina

PITASSI

MAKES A
difference

Senior Project Manager
Electromechanical Solutions Group (EMS) – Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Enjoying the adventure

Ask Christina Pitassi, Senior Project Manager for implement in my time at ASSA ABLOY .”
the Electromechanical Solutions Group (EMS) in When it comes to management and follow-through
Phoenix, Arizona, what makes her job interesting of new product development, her attention to detail
and she answers with enthusiasm . “This culture is is exceptional . She enjoys uncovering fresh ways
empowering .”
to make processes work better . One achievement
Many find that passion for her work invigorating, as it in particular has had a significant impact: the
reveals a genuine appreciation for the company and integration of Smartsheet for use within EMS . “It
its values . “The spirit of continuous improvement is drastically changed the way we work daily,” she
very alive in Phoenix,” she affirms . “This organization explains .
is always open and willing to adjust to more efficient Smartsheet is an online project management
ways of working .” platform that fosters collaboration and visibility .
Then she jokes about her corporate superpower, Project work captured on post-it notes or hidden
which is “reducing tension in meetings in order to Microsoft Project schedules is now in the past .
bring people to a consensus .” “Planning, pulse meetings, reporting…everything
changed for the better .” She elaborates, “It got our
ASSA ABLOY EMS Group General Manager, Jason
Gyolai, recognizes these rare talents . “Christina is groups talking about strengths and weaknesses
and helped us focus on getting more efficient and
uniquely gifted for the role of professional project
management,” he says . “She has an incredible ability moving past wasteful practices .”
to stay focused on the goal, break down the steps Education is another area in which Christina finds
that are needed to achieve the goal and influence a tremendous satisfaction . She is passionate about
cross-functional group of individuals to make it all sharing knowledge . “My goal is to have the tools
happen .” He describes her as a change agent who is necessary to execute strong work—and to enjoy the
always striving to improve what she does . journey .” Why? “Because our customers will benefit .”
Christina spends a majority of her time leading When Christina is not at the office, she may be
meetings and empowering project teams . This not traveling with her husband and daughter . “Seeing the
only helps to facilitate the success of the process, way people live all over the world and in our country
but also the final execution . “I’m very proud of the fascinates me,” she says . “I enjoy the adventure .”
small and large changes that I’ve had the pleasure to
people making a difference 17