Tracy Sandin
SVP, Government Relations & Public AffairsSecurity Finance Corporation of Spartanburg
Following her graduation with a degree in Business & Health Administration, Tracy dedicated over four decades to public service and policy. She began in the California state legislature, quickly moving from receptionist to legislative director for multiple key members. In 1989, she received a gubernatorial appointment as the Executive Director of the Board of Food and Agriculture for the CA Department of Food and Agriculture. Tracy then channeled her legislative expertise into government relations (the “Third House”), where she represented diverse industries before joining Security Finance eight years ago. She continues to shape policy today, serving on several state trades and executive board committees for the company. Residing in Reno, Tracy is an unwavering advocate for the local wild horse population. Her commitment is profound: she has been known to get up in the middle of the night to safely move stranded or endangered horses. She is also a proud member of the Reno Elks Lodge.
My Areas of Expertise: i.e. strategy, marketing, team building, executive management?
Expansive understanding of the multi-state legislative arena with the ability to foresee the changing political landscapes that impact business functions at the state/federal levels. With that comes strength in relationship-building, strategic planning, community outreach, coalition building, cross-functional team leadership, and event management.
What three keywords best describe you?
Focused. Intelligent. Trustworthy.
Personal Motto:
Seriously? Lead. Follow. Or get out of the way!
What are you passionate about?
Doing the best I can at my job while looking for ways to elevate my department and the bottom line for our company. In my spare time, caring and advocating for our Wild Mustangs.
What is something interesting about you that members might not know?
I’ve sky jumped
Who has been a role model for you?
My dad, who taught me that, above all else, integrity is key to all you do.
What are you most proud of?
Professionally, it’s always deeply touching when someone comes up to me from my past and shares what an impact I’ve had in their professional lives. I simply never realize, that by just doing my job so many others have been impacted in positive ways. Personally, surviving divorce and poverty 37 years ago; emerging as a strong, independent, successful woman who’s raised an outstanding young man, Maj. Christopher Sandin.
MENTORING:
a. What would you say are the key success factors for a mentoring relationship?
Patience, empathy and flexibility.
b. What advice would you give yourself as a young executive?
Trust your instincts. You are smarter, more resilient and better equipped for the future than you know.
c. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
That with all the stops and starts everything would turn out better than “fine.” Know in your heart that when one door closes, others open….and each is so much better than the last!
Restricted Content
Some content on this page may be available exclusively to AFSA Members. If you would like more information about becoming a member, view our membership page to determine the best membership option for your company. If you are already an AFSA Member, click the button below to log in.