Cynthia Garcia

Chief Information Officer & VP Engineering & Safety

Professional Overview

Cynthia Garcia is a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience in the energy and healthcare sectors. As the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Engineering & Safety at Tucson Electric Power, she oversees the company's technology infrastructure, engineering operations, and safety initiatives. Additionally, Cynthia serves in key leadership roles on the boards of several prominent organizations, including Tucson Medical Center and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, where she provides strategic guidance and oversight.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Chief Information Officer & VP Engineering & Safety, Tucson Electric Power (2024-11-01 to Present)

• Responsible for leading the company's information technology strategy, managing engineering operations, and driving safety initiatives across the organization.

• Oversees the implementation of innovative technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency, improve system reliability, and ensure the safety of employees and customers.

• Serves as a member of the executive team, collaborating with cross-functional leaders to align technology and engineering with overall business objectives.

Chair of the TMC Hospital Board of Directors, Tucson Medical Center (2024-11-01 to Present)

• Provides strategic oversight and governance for the Tucson Medical Center, a leading healthcare provider in the region.

• Leads the board in setting the hospital's long-term vision, establishing policy, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.

• Serves on the Quality & Safety Committee, contributing to the development and implementation of initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and operational excellence.

Treasurer of the Board of Directors, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (2024-06-01 to Present)

• Oversees the financial management and stewardship of the organization, ensuring the effective allocation of resources to support its mission and programs.

• Collaborates with the board and executive leadership to develop and implement strategies for sustainable growth and community impact.

• Provides guidance on financial planning, budgeting, and risk management to ensure the foundation's long-term financial stability.

Career Progression

Prior to her current roles, Cynthia held various leadership positions within Tucson Electric Power, including Chief Information Officer & VP of Energy Delivery & Safety, and Chief Information Officer & VP Engineering & Safety. She has also served on the board of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation and the LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, where she has been actively involved in governance, finance, and community engagement initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Cynthia worked as a Lead Accountant in the Corporate Accounting department at Tucson Electric Power and as a Division Controller at Vertel, a technology company.

Academic Background

Cynthia holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona, where she graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Information technology strategy and implementation

• Engineering operations and process optimization

• Safety management and risk mitigation

• Financial management and strategic planning

• Nonprofit governance and board leadership

• Collaborative, cross-functional leadership

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity program at Tucson Electric Power, strengthening the company's resilience against cyber threats and protecting critical infrastructure.

• Played a pivotal role in the successful integration of multiple technology systems following the acquisition of a neighboring utility, ensuring seamless operations and data management.

• Championed the development and adoption of a safety culture framework at Tucson Electric Power, resulting in a significant reduction in workplace accidents and improved employee well-being.

• Served as a driving force behind the Tucson Medical Center's initiatives to enhance patient experience and quality of care, leading to improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction scores.

• Provided strategic guidance and financial oversight that enabled the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation to expand its reach and deliver life-changing services to the LGBTQ+ community.

Conclusion

Cynthia Garcia is a respected technology leader and strategic board member who has made significant contributions to the energy, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Her deep expertise in information technology, engineering, and safety management, combined with her proven track record of driving organizational transformation and community impact, positions her as a valuable asset to the organizations she serves. Cynthia continues to leverage her diverse experience and collaborative approach to deliver innovative solutions and drive sustainable growth in her current and future endeavors.