Sandra Meléndez was a risk management professional, even before risk management was a widely recognized profession. Although she has spent the past two decades in the field of insurance, Sandra got her start as an Environmental, Health and Safety Manager for the Eastman Kodak Company. In this capacity, she performed site and building evaluations, worked with regulatory agencies, enforced health and safety standards, and trained workers on hazardous waste disposal procedures. Her work in analyzing regulations and compliance mandates would become the basis for her successful career in risk management.
Sandra transitioned to a career in the insurance world when the founder of Paychex, then a pioneer in employer services, recruited her to develop a series of insurance offerings – such as Workers’ Compensation, Health, Life and Accident coverages – for Paychex clients, which evolved into a Paychex Agency. After nine years at the fast-growing enterprise, Sandra left Paychex and went to work for some of the nation’s largest insurance brokerages, such as Brown & Brown of New York and Aon. Today, Sandra offers a wide array of Commercial insurance and Specialty lines to clients in all industries; and has a special passion for Technology, Research & Development, Life Sciences & Clinical Trials, Agriculture, Real Estate, Investment Management, and Entertainment.
Sandra characterizes her working philosophy as “being transparent, focusing on the big picture, and never giving up.” Sandra’s approach makes her a good partner for WGB clients who want to stay personally informed on difficult issues of risk and protection. “I tell my clients, let me help you get the competitive knowledge and advantages. Let’s work on this together.”
Sandra holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Science and Environmental Studies from Syracuse University and the State University of New York College of Environment Science & Forestry.
In her spare time, she an active supporter of Histiocytosis Association, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the unique needs of patients and families dealing with the effects of histiocytic disorders. She also enjoys volunteering and participating with a variety of organizations; such as St. Jude’s, Children’s’ Hospital, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, National Hispanic Business Women Association, Latin Business Association, ALPFA, and PLUS.