Cindy Menches was appointed the IMPACT Director of Contractor Training & Development in January of 2014.  Dr. Menches is responsible for developing innovative educational programs that will aid ironworkers and their contractors with starting new businesses and expanding existing businesses in order to create more work opportunities for union ironworkers. Prior to joining IMPACT, Dr. Menches was an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Dr. Menches previously worked as a construction project manager in Chicago and Madison, and she is a former Air Force civil engineering officer.

Dr. Menches holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering-Building Science from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin.