Christine Lauridsen Sand has served as the CEO of Lauridsen Group, Inc., since March 2019. In this position, she regularly interacts with the CEOs of the various companies owned by Lauridsen Group, Inc., and reports directly to the company’s board and family ownership group. She also oversees all strategic decision-making for the company, in addition to product development and human resources. Prior to her position as the company’s CEO, Christine Lauridsen Sand served as the executive vice president of Lauridsen Group, Inc., from 2009 to 2019. As the executive vice president, she focused her efforts on acquisitions and joint venture development, new product development, as well as B2B marketing facilitated by science-driven analysis. From 2005 to 2007, she spent time in Barcelona as a business development associate for Lauridsen Group, Inc.
Early in her career, Ms. Lauridsen Sand served as an analyst for William Blair in Chicago, providing financial analysis related to acquisitions and public equity offerings. She took this position straight out of college, having earned a bachelor of science from Cornell University. She later returned to the academic sphere between 2007 and 2009, earning an MBA from Harvard Business School in preparation for an executive career with Lauridsen Group, Inc.
Together with her husband, Rob Sand, who serves as the Iowa state auditor, Christine Sand established an endowment in 2020 to facilitate long-term sustainability for nonprofits in central Iowa. The couple was inspired by their community and its ability to work together throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and wanted to ensure that efforts such as those continued to succeed during future crises. The endowment created by the couple will provide permanent, sustainable support for the United Way of Central Iowa.
Ms. Lauridsen Sand has been a longtime supporter of her husband’s public service career, tirelessly advocating for him during his 2018 campaign for the state auditor position. Prior to his campaign for state auditor, Mr. Sand served as Iowa’s assistant attorney general. He prosecuted the infamous Hot Lotto case
In her free time, Christine Sand stays active by running, hiking, and playing golf. She also enjoys reading and traveling. In addition, Ms. Lauridsen Sand is a trustee with Culver Academies, vice chair of Des Moines Airport Authority Board, and an honorary director and past chair with Des Moines Performing Arts.
In addition, Christine Sand serves as a member of the Iowa State University Executive MBA Advisory Council, through which she and other council members advise the university on curriculum development, student recruitment, and industry trends, as well as other topics.
What attributes contribute to a strong business relationship?
Purpose-oriented, with both sides bringing unique value.
What is one valuable piece of advice you have received?
Surround yourself with people who have different perspectives.
Describe one cause you are currently advocating for.
Restrictions on smartphone use in public schools.
How do you unwind when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
I take deep breaths and make sure I am staying healthy by getting the right amount of sleep and eating a balanced diet.
What habit helps you maintain productivity and focus?
Exercise is crucial.
What advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time?
Focus on the big picture and don’t sweat the small stuff.
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