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2026 Candidate Bios
We are excited to present this current slate of board candidates for the 2026-2028 board years!
For descriptions of what each position entails, please click here.
If you are an ACMP DC chapter member and have not already done so, please cast your vote for your chosen candidate using our online voting form.
Candidates for Vice President:
Dr. Rhonda Farrell | Dr. Rhonda Farrell is a transformation strategist and executive advisor specializing in change leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across government, industry, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she partners with executives to align strategy, people, processes, and technology to drive measurable results and sustainable transformation. She previously scaled a global professional community to thousands of members across 98 countries, building engagement, leadership pathways, and knowledge-sharing networks worldwide. Passionate about advancing the discipline of change, she champions practical frameworks that help organizations move from strategy to execution while strengthening culture, capability, and performance.
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Jamie Meidhof | For the past three years, Jamie Meidhof has served on the ACMP DC Programs and Events Committee, rebuilding the chapter's event calendar with both educational and networking events after the pandemic and personally connecting with members along the way. A Principal at Slalom with 15+ years in change management across consulting and corporate environments, her passion lies in mentoring junior practitioners, fostering community, and advancing the field she loves. With deep chapter involvement and a commitment to growth — for members and the organization alike — Jamie brings both the credentials and the dedication to serve as your next VP. |
Candidates for Director, Programming and Events: |
Matt Abramson Ricardo Abella |
I bring more than 35 years of experience working at the intersection of technology, people, and customer experience, with leadership roles at organizations including Microsoft, Google Cloud, and now Steampunk. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to service, connection, and the power of bringing people together to navigate change and growth. I have designed and facilitated numerous learning programs, workshops, and community events that create space for collaboration, shared insight, and professional development. I am particularly passionate about building communities where practitioners can exchange ideas, strengthen their craft, and collectively elevate the impact of the change management profession
I’m a Colombian Civil Engineer who has called DC home for 12 years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked primarily on the corporate side in Program Management, Enterprise Agile Coaching, Change Management, Design Thinking, and Innovation Management. For years, I’ve attended, volunteered at, spoken at, and co organized events across my fields—from meetups and local conferences to global gatherings and several “unconferences.” No matter the size or format, one thing was consistent: the energy, creativity, and ideas I brought helped spark strong teams and memorable events. I believe I can make a meaningful contribution to the ACMP DC Chapter, and it would be an honor to serve as your Director of Programming and Events Your vote isn’t just for me—it’s for bringing a fresh perspective to our Chapter and elevating our events into true experiences: rich, meaningful, inclusive, useful, and fun. |
Lena Kolyada | I am a CCMP-certified professional with nearly two decades of experience managing USAID-funded programs across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Planning and delivering impactful events and learning experiences has always been one of my favorite parts of the work — most recently bringing together 60+ colleagues from eight countries for a global strategy meeting that I conceived and led from scratch. I'm currently navigating a career transition and deliberately investing my time in things that matter to me including volunteering with ACMP's Digital Learning Committee. Joining the board as Director of Programming and Events feels like a natural next step, and I'm excited about what we can build together. I live in Bethesda and paint watercolors in my spare time! |
Candidates for Secretary:
Michelle Obata | Michelle Obata is a Director at Markon supporting the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Infrastructure Modernization and Resilience. A retired U.S. Air Force officer, she brings decades of experience in strategic planning, program management, and policy development across complex government organizations. Michelle has led initiatives requiring coordination across large stakeholder groups and clear documentation of decisions, processes, and outcomes. She holds multiple professional certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP). As a member of the Association of Change Management Professionals and the ACMP DC Chapter, Michelle is committed to supporting effective governance, transparent communication, and strong organizational collaboration as Secretary. |
Evan Piekara | Evan Piekara is a seasoned change leader known for building high‑performing teams, strengthening organizational capability, and elevating the practice of change management across sectors. He has led complex, enterprise‑wide transformation efforts and built sustainable change capabilities that empower organizations to navigate ambiguity and deliver measurable results. A long‑time ACMP member and champion for advancing the profession, Evan is committed to cultivating a vibrant, future‑focused community of change practitioners. He holds an MBA from Georgetown, a Master’s in Education from Pace University, and a BA in Economics from Connecticut College, where he serves as an Emeritus Trustee. With leadership roles on six nonprofit boards, Evan brings a servant‑leadership mindset grounded in empathy, clarity, and shared purpose. |