Welcome to the Team: Cindy Mercado
The UF Office of Professional and Workforce Development (OPWD) is excited to welcome Cindy Mercado as our new Health and Safety and Solid and Hazardous Waste Program Manager at the Training, Research, and Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO) Center! In her full-time role, Cindy will oversee these programs and continue teaching OSHA/Safety and Health courses. She may already be a familiar face to many of our students from her work as a contract instructor, and we’re thrilled to officially have her on board in this expanded capacity.
Cindy first connected with TREEO through a pilot program where safety professionals collaborated to create training opportunities.
“I had such a great time that I stayed on as a contract instructor for the Safety and Health program,” she shared. “I chose to join the TREEO Center because I’m passionate about safety and helping people grow and succeed. This team’s positive energy around professional development is contagious, and I’m excited to be part of a group that truly values safety and supports continuous learning.”
A Look Into Her Role
In her role, Cindy supports OPWD and the UF TREEO Center through managing key training programs, including:
- Overseeing the Solid and Hazardous Waste programs and coordinating with instructors
- Developing and updating health and safety training courses to meet industry needs
- Delivering OSHA/Safety and Health training for professionals across industries
- Managing contracts, budgets, and compliance requirements with state partners
Cindy described herself as the “safety sidekick, making sure everyone stays safe and sound,” whether through scheduling courses, creating engaging training sessions, or fielding safety questions.
“Cindy’s extensive background in Health & Safety, along with her engaging teaching style, makes her a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Lauren McCain, Assistant Director Operations at OPWD. “I’m confident that she will help strengthen and expand our programs.”
Cindy brings more than 20 years of experience in occupational safety across industries such as food and manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, aviation, and pharmaceutical chemical analysis. “For more than 13 years, I’ve served as a safety leader, consultant, and trainer,” she explained.
At UF, she previously helped transform EH&S programs for clinics, laboratories, and chemical safety. She is also an OSHA-certified trainer, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and a Certified Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH). Beyond the workplace, Cindy volunteers as a Safety Official for the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Team and the American Red Cross.
“I hold a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s in Environmental Health,” she shared. “I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Management at the University of Florida—Go Gators!”
Life Beyond the Office
When she’s not working, Cindy enjoys spending time outdoors. “I love going to the beach—that’s one of the main things I miss from my island (Puerto Rico),” she said. She also has a knack for bringing people together: “I love organizing parties and events! Whether it’s a small gathering or a big celebration, I enjoy creating memorable experiences.”
Fun Fact: If Cindy could have any superpower, she’d pick teleportation. “Imagine never being stuck in traffic and being able to visit family and friends anywhere they are,” she said.
Looking Ahead
What excites Cindy most is the opportunity to make a difference. “The most exciting part of my work is knowing that it can make a real difference in people’s lives—by building knowledge, influencing behavior, and helping to prevent accidents,” she said.
She looks forward to building a stronger culture of safety at TREEO: “In my dual role, I’m excited to help build a stronger culture of safety where everyone feels empowered to speak up. I also look forward to collaborating with the team on professional development and workforce initiatives that enhance solid waste management and recycling efforts.”
Cindy credits her parents as her biggest inspiration. “They taught me the value of hard work, kindness, responsibility, and always looking out for others. Their constant emphasis on doing things the right way—not just the easy way—instilled in me a deep respect for everything I do.”
And her guiding motto? “Always Learning. Always Curious. Always Safe.”
Welcome Cindy! We’re excited to see the impact you’ll make at TREEO and beyond.
