Nick Kolacz

About Nick Kolacz

Results-driven PMP with a track record of turning complexity into successful delivery through tenacity, adaptability, and a proactive mindset.I lead complex initiatives in financial services by blending proven methodologies (Agile, Waterfall) with innovative tools to drive efficient, proactive outcomes.I harness AI not just for my projects but to elevate entire teams. Personally, I leverage AI-powered tools to-Generate clear, prioritized action items from meeting notes and discussions-Identify and develop comprehensive RAID logs (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) by analyzing project data and surfacing hidden patterns early-Automate accurate, tailored status reporting for stakeholders, pulling insights from multiple sources in secondsTo scale this impact, I\'ve built a custom AI agent tailored for project management documentation. This agent ingests meeting transcripts, emails, and project artifacts to automatically draft/update RAID items, compile action trackers, generate polished status summaries, and maintain living documentation—ensuring consistency, reducing manual effort, and minimizing oversights in fast-moving initiatives.What excites me most is leading others to embrace AI: I facilitate targeted pilots, share practical prompts/workflows/custom agent builds, demonstrate real-world applications (like turning raw inputs into structured RAID/action documentation via my custom agent), and mentor team members on integrating these tools thoughtfully and ethically. By fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous learning, I help colleagues move from hesitation to confidence—automating the routine so they can focus on creativity, collaboration, decision-making, and delivering exceptional value.Passionate about human-AI partnership in modern project management—whether driving initiatives or exploring agentic AI for PM. Open to connecting with innovators in project leadership, AI adoption, or strategic delivery!* Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Complete Agile Project Manager through Project Management Institute.Strategic Planning System Integration Consulting Project Governance Program Development Vendor Relations Project Expediting Workflow Optimization Project Scheduling Data Mining Operational Streamlining C-Suite Relationships Multisite Operations Fiscal Transparency Contract Negotiations Requirements Gathering Coaching/Mentoring Creative Communications Solution Delivery Organizational Dynamics Agile (Scrum) Waterfall Servant Leadership

Experience

1. Senior Project Manager

   CIBC

   Jan 2024 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Currently lead four-person team in all aspects of designing and implementing unique solution for the Dodd Frank 1071 companywide in close collaboration with different business line groups. Ensure full compliance with relevant regulatory conditions. Facilitate vendor identification and management to architect and integrate this platform into the corporate Salesforce CRM tool. Organize internal training and communications for staff during transition. Accountable for multimillion dollar execution budget.* Liaised with senior management to define business areas affected by the rule and partner with compliance/legal staff to ensure all solutions met rule requirements.* Skillfully managed all risk, technical issues and decision-making, escalating potential problems to Senior Steering group as needed.

Education

• Marquette University

  Master of Business Administration - Executive MBA

  2018 — 2019

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science and Government

  2000 — 2005