
Lizzy Polheber
Safety Director
True leadership means aligning everyone toward a shared vision, empowering teams to contribute fully, and above all, genuinely caring about the people behind the work.
Leadership that inspires
Leaders today must strike a balance between accountability and trust—holding people to high standards while also believing in their potential. True leadership means aligning everyone toward a shared vision, empowering teams to contribute fully, and above all, genuinely caring about the people behind the work. When people feel seen, supported, and challenged, that’s when real progress happens.
For me, great leadership looks like leading with integrity, empathy, and purpose—fostering an environment where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and decisions are made with the greater good in mind. I strive to guide teams not just toward success, but toward meaningful impact by taking a holistic view of challenges and always choosing what is right over what is easy.
Leading safe, building strong
The greatest challenge to safety in construction isn’t a lack of rules—it’s complacency. When safety becomes just a routine instead of a mindset, that's when risk creeps in. As leaders, we must build a culture where safety is personal, where every voice matters, and where speaking up is a sign of strength—not weakness. When we prioritize people over production and lead by example, we don’t just reduce incidents—we protect lives, build trust, and set a standard that truly lasts.
Culture of care
In construction, safety goes beyond hard hats and harnesses—it starts with the whole person. A truly strong culture protects both mind and body. That means recognizing the mental toll of long days, high pressure, and physical strain, and creating space for support, rest, and respect. When we care for the full well-being of our people, we build more than structures—we build trust, resilience, and a team that shows up stronger every single day.
PERSONAL PASSIONS
Mental health in construction isn’t talked about enough—and it’s a passion that runs deep for me. I've seen firsthand the toll this industry can take on both the mind and body. That’s why a group of GC’s in Wisconsin started WCWC—the Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community. Our mission is to break the stigma, build real support, and create a culture where mental wellness is just as important as physical safety. Because strong teams aren’t just built with skill—they’re built with care, connection, and the courage to talk about what really matters.
INTERESTS
- Gardening
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Going to the spa
- Camping
- Cooking
- Canning
HOME STATE
Wisconsin
BOARDS & MEMBERSHIPS
- Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community (WCWC)
Treasurer - American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
Member - Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin
Board Member
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
- Gals on the Go Project
- WCWC
- Christ Lutheran School – Big Bend
- Feeding America
- YMCA Mukwonago
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- 2023 AGC of Greater Milwaukee Harvey Petterson Award
- 2022 ASSP Safety Professional of the Year
- 2021 Woman in Construction Award
- 2018 Rising Young Professionals of Construction