In Memory of James R. Snyder
It is with great sadness that we share news on the passing of James R. Snyder, who was the last living co-founder of the Project Management Institute. Called “The Father of PMI” by many, Jim passed away peacefully on 19th February surrounded by his family.
As echoed by Pierre Le Manh, President & CEO of PMI, Jim played a pivotal role in establishing PMI as the premier worldwide organization for project management professionals, fostering collaboration, education, and innovation within the profession. “Over the past 55 years, Jim’s leadership, strategic insights, and initiatives pushed PMI to reinvent itself, enabling it to become the leading authority in project management worldwide,” wrote Le Manh.
Jim served in several leadership roles at PMI, including being the first CEO (called Executive Director at the time), and being PMI’s Board Chair in 1970-71. In 1982, he was the first PMI Fellow awardee. Jim was also a co-founder and active member of his home chapter, the PMI Delaware Valley Chapter; of the Pharmaceutical Specific Interest Group; and of the PMI Educational Foundation. Jim also served as the project manager for the construction of PMI’s World Headquarters in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
A Lasting Legacy
In the late 1960s, Jim was working at what was then called SmithKline & French Laboratories. He and his colleagues quickly identified a need for a way for professionals to share their challenges and insights with each other and with the broader world.
During a heavy December 1967 snowstorm in Philadelphia, the seed was planted for what would soon become the Project Management Institute during a conversation with Jim, Susan Gallagher and E.A. “Ned” Engman. Along with Eric Jenett and J. Gordon Davis, they became the five founders of PMI and forever shaped our craft.
“We did things simply because we knew they needed to be done,” Jim once said, “volunteering our time to bring professionals together, publish resources, share knowledge, and strengthen the profession.”
During his 37-year career at GlaxoSmithKline, Jim worked in computer sciences, operations research, finance, and international marketing, and was involved in developing and implementing business systems around the world. He retired in 1997, but continued to stay involved with PMI and the industry throughout his life, dedicating himself to volunteering, leadership and mentoring—impacting new generations of project managers.
“Jim leaves behind an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire project professionals for generations to come. His remarkable contributions to the field of project management have left an indelible mark, shaping the way projects are executed and managed around the globe. His legacy lives on through the countless people and projects he influenced and inspired,” shared Le Manh.
“He was one of the first people I met when I joined PMI myself as his distant successor in the role of CEO of PMI. Since then, our conversations and his warm support have been a constant source of inspiration and direction for me personally. The profession and the world are changing, and we will propel PMI into this future while staying true to what Jim wanted PMI to accomplish since founding the Institute.”
Jim is survived by his daughter Lynda, his son Doug, and their children. You can read more on Jim’s legacy here.
Below are photos of Jim shared by members of the PMI community. We invite you to share memories of Jim in the comments section below.
Jim Snyder with Pierre Le Manh, President & CEO, PMI; and Brantlee Underhill, Chief Community Officer, PMI
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“We had no idea that we’d get anywhere near like the organization — Jim Snyder |
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“PMI is the organization that will supply the leaders of the future who are best prepared to manage a changing project-oriented world.” — Jim Snyder |
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“Why teach project management? Because it is as critical to life as any of the STEM skills that are taught today. You can ask: 'Why teach science or mathematics?' Project management is just as important.” — Jim Snyder |
In lieu of flowers, the Snyder Family kindly request donations to the PMI Educational Foundation. By supporting this cause, we honor Jim’s commitment to advancing project management and nurturing future project leaders in the field.
We invite you to share your stories and thoughts on Jim below.
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