IRMI Announces Cynthia Garcia as 2025 Bill McIntyre Leadership Award Winner

Indianapolis, IN, November 17, 2025—International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI), is proud to announce that Cynthia Garcia, chief risk officer at Bernards, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Bill McIntyre Leadership Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the construction industry through innovative risk management strategies and a commitment to safety, mentorship, and professional development.

A Trailblazer in Construction Risk Management

With nearly 30 years of experience, Ms. Garcia has transformed risk management practices across the industry. Her career journey—from clerical staff to executive leadership—demonstrates her dedication, technical excellence, and passion for advancing the field. Ms. Garcia's leadership has resulted in significant achievements, including the following.

Overhauling subcontractor prequalification processes to improve risk screening and compliance

Leading quality management initiatives to align risk and construction excellence

Elevating professionalism within safety and risk teams, with members earning top industry designations

Implementing OSHA 30 designation requirements for all operations personnel

Integrating risk and safety metrics into performance-based incentive programs

Modernizing fleet safety programs

Personally funding scholarships for risk management and insurance students

Guiding organizations through leadership transitions and fostering strategic insurance partnerships

Her efforts have led to measurable improvements in safety culture, workforce development, and industry innovation. Bernards, under Ms. Garcia's leadership, has earned multiple safety awards, including CAL OSHA's SHARP designation and the BCSP Sapphire and Ruby Certification Champion recognition.

Mentorship and Industry Impact

Ms. Garcia is renowned for her commitment to mentoring the next generation of risk professionals. She has developed internal training programs, served as a risk manager on campus for leading universities, and actively supports educational outreach and scholarship initiatives. Her board service and leadership roles have promoted diversity and inclusion and elevated standards throughout the profession.

Quotes from the Judging Panel

"Cynthia entered the industry in a clerical role and raised herself up to her current position by pursuing knowledge and through hard work. What really impressed me about her is her passion for mentoring and supporting young people in the industry. She has worked tirelessly to spread the risk management gospel at universities and the IRMI Conference over the years, and this type of passionate support is exactly what our industry needs to attract new talent."
—Jack Gibson, CEO, IRMI

"I nominated Cynthia as the winner due to her diverse experience, involvement, and influence across many facets of the construction industry. She has a laser focus on learning—for herself and others—to make this a better, safer industry in which to operate. She gives of her time tirelessly and continuously to benefit others, with the goal of achieving continuous improvement of this industry."
—Thomas Grandmaison, executive vice president, chief client officer, construction, WTW Construction

"Cynthia Garcia's submission clearly shows leadership and the qualifications needed for this award. The submission highlights a focus on risk and risk management, which is unquestioned and commendable."
—David Dolnick, president, Dolnick Risk Advisors

About the Bill McIntyre Leadership Award

Named for IRMI Chairman Bill McIntyre, the award recognizes visionary leaders who have improved construction risk management and inspired others to lead by example. The recipient is honored at the IRMI Construction Risk Conference in front of more than 1,500 industry leaders. Learn more at https://www.irmi.com/conferences/construction-risk-conference/leadership-award.

About IRMI

For more than 45 years, IRMI has helped our customers save lives and livelihoods as the premier provider of risk management and insurance information, tools, education, and training. IRMI helps risk management, insurance, and legal professionals make better decisions for their companies and clients with unbiased expertise and balanced, comprehensive content. For more information, visit https://www.irmi.com.

Media Contact:
Heidi Vincent, (800) 827–4242