Jeff Zircher
Jeff Zircher, MBA, is a seasoned leader in program and project management, currently serving as a Senior Program Implementation Manager at Burns & McDonnell. With over 30 years of leadership experience at Caterpillar Inc., Jeff has held key roles across IT, Logistics & Distribution, Marketing & Product Support, Product Development, and Project Management.
As the leader of Caterpillar’s Enterprise PMO, Jeff oversaw a global team of more than 250 professionals across the U.S., Northern Ireland, England, India, and China. His dedication to advancing project management excellence has been recognized at the highest levels. A member of the PMI Global Executive Council since 2014, Jeff has contributed to the profession through thought leadership and strategic collaboration.
Jeff’s impact extends beyond the corporate world. In partnership with the Children’s Home Association of Illinois, his team was honored with the PMI Educational Foundation – Community Advancement Award in 2016. More recently, under his leadership, the Caterpillar Global Program Management PMO won the prestigious 2023 PMI Project of the Year Award for the battery-electric 793 Large Mining Truck—a groundbreaking achievement in sustainable mining technology.
With a passion for innovation and team development, Jeff continues to drive transformative change in the field of program management.
Authored Articles
Inside Stories Podcast Episode 20
Discover the journey of Jeff Zircher, a seasoned project management leader with over 30 years at Caterpillar and insights into evolving PMO strategies.
Achieving a Rewarding Work-Life Balance: It’s Totally Doable
By Jeff Zircher
In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a balance between work and home life can seem like an elusive goal. Here are some practical tips to help you manage your priorities effectively.
The Power of Sleeping on It: Why Taking Time Leads to Better Decision-Making
By Jeff Zircher
Research and historical examples suggest that taking time, especially sleeping on a decision—often leads to better outcomes.
Embracing Range: Project Management as the Gateway to Diverse Career Paths
By Jeff Zircher
In a world that often celebrates specialization, the value of being a generalist is frequently overlooked. Individuals with a broad range of skills and experiences often thrive in today’s complex and unpredictable work environment.
Servant Leadership in PMO Management: A Path to Success
By Jeff Zircher
The traditional hierarchical management approach is evolving, giving rise to the concept of servant leadership within PMOs.
