The Dutra Group has named John Wyma-Hughes as the new Risk Manager, following the upcoming retirement of Cliff Hunt. This strategic appointment leverages Wyma-Hughes’ legal expertise and diverse experience to lead the company’s risk management, safety, and marine compliance departments.

Since joining The Dutra Group in 2021 as Associate General Counsel of Operations, Wyma-Hughes has played a key role in contract negotiations, claims management, and ensuring corporate compliance. His background in working for both the federal government and small-business private tech sector brings with it a valuable perspective on government contracting, emerging technologies, and legal interpretations.

Wyma-Hughes’ qualifications include a B.Sc. in Experimental Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California, a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law, with a focus on maritime and federal law, and an Associate in Risk Management certification from the Insurance Institute of America. Wyma-Hughes is an active member of the State Bar of California and has published over a dozen peer-reviewed studies in the field of neuropsychology.

In his new position, Wyma-Hughes will oversee all corporate risk management and safety programs. He takes the helm from Cliff Hunt, whose tenure significantly enhanced the company’s safety performance. Hunt brought a disciplined safety approach from his eighteen years with Chevron USA. Under his direction, recordable and lost time rates have dropped consistently over the last twenty years. As Risk Manager, he increased risk communication and inserted risk strategies into the company’s operations.

Hunt joined The Dutra Group after 18 years at Chevron USA. His academic credentials include a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of San Francisco, an MBA in Risk Management from Walden University, and the Associate in Risk Management certification from the Insurance Institute of America. Hunt devoted this last year to mentoring Wyma-Hughes in preparation for his role as Risk Manager, and has passed on a career’s worth of invaluable information and knowledge. 

The transition to Wyma-Hughes’ leadership signals The Dutra Group’s continued commitment to industry-leading risk management practices and a rigorous safety culture. His legal background combined with Hunt’s legacy provides a solid foundation to guide the company’s risk strategies while delivering on critical projects.