Sommerfelt Receives SHRM Elevating HR Awards

posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 in Grow Cedar Valley

Congratulations to our  Vice President of Operations, Sandi Sommerfelt for being one of three individuals to receive the Elevating Human Resources Awards from Cedar Valley SHRM!

From SHRM: "This award program recognizes human resources and business leaders who are making an impact within their organization, profession, or community by elevating the role of HR as a key driver of growth and innovation. These 3 individuals were selected by a selection committee consisting of several Cedar Valley Leaders for their leadership, commitment, integrity, strategic thinking, execution, passion and influence."

Additionally, congratulations to the other two award recipients. Kyle Roed is the Vice President - Human Resources for CPM Holdings, Inc. and Gayla Hoppenworth is the Human Resources Manager at Advanced Heat Treat.

Nomination

Sandi is Grow Cedar Valley’s vice president of operations. She is the main point person for our staff in regard to human resources questions or requests and has been instrumental in assisting Grow Cedar Valley staff, our subsidiary organizations’ staff, and many other organizations across the Cedar Valley as well.

Sandi demonstrates the characteristics mentioned as a part of the nomination. Her dedication to the well being of each employee as well as the support and passion of our partner organizations have motivated her to spend lots of time outside of her traditional hours ensuring that financial assistance requests were completed accurately and that employees were cared for.
Sandi continuously works with our insurance providers and benefits companies to ensure Grow Cedar Valley and its subsidiary organization’s staff are maximizing their benefits., especially during more difficult times. Additionally, Sandi often works with national HR organizations to share resources with our staff as well as other Cedar Valley businesses. Her passion for the people profession shows repeatedly in her work and thought for others.

I am excited about the possibility to recognize Sandi alongside other outstanding HR professionals for going above and beyond for their companies, co-workers, and community.

Bio

Sandi Sommerfelt has been part of the Grow Cedar Valley team since 2011 and currently serves as their Vice President of Operations. Sandi grew up in the Cedar Valley area and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in Business Administration. Prior to her role at Grow Cedar Valley, she held the same position at Jackson’s International Auctioneers & Appraisers in Cedar Falls.

Her passion for supporting the community is not only evident in her work, but also in how she spends her free time. Sandi volunteers for such organizations as the Cedar Valley United Way, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Waterloo and Cedar Falls Main Street organizations, serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and is very involved in the civic organization Exchange Club. This year, Sandi helped found the Cedar Valley Exchange Club, currently serves as Incoming President of the Exchange Club of Waterloo, and also as District Division Director.

Sandi considers herself a lifelong learner, and actively seeks opportunities to grow and network with peers. She is a member of several professional organizations including Cedar Valley SHRM, BBC, and the Cedar Valley Nonprofit Association. Since her time at Grow Cedar Valley, Sandi has achieved certification in Catalytic Coaching, Cedar Valley Leadership Institute, Covey’s Four Disciplines of Execution, John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Heartland Economic Development Training, Continuous Breakthrough Leadership, and many others.

But her favorite part of any day is spending time with her 10-year-old daughter and two dogs.