Sandy Bloem is the President and Executive Director at the EDF.  She is responsible for management, staffing, budgeting, marketing, human-resources, and strategic planning, just like every other business owner. Her role as ED has given her an appreciation for all small business owners and the challenges they face since she works through many of the same issues. She appreciates the outstanding assistance of EDF’s very capable staff, and the support of a committed Board of Directors.

Sandy has been with the company since 2005. Prior to EDF, Sandy has 15 years experience in commercial lending, most recently as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer at Mercantile Bank.  She graduated cum laude with a B.B.A. in Finance from Grand Valley State University in 1992.  Currently, Sandy serves on several non-profit boards, including Creston Business Association, GROW (Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women), and Harmony Homes. 

Sandy spends time outside of work volunteering at her church through the music ministry.  She shares the love of music with her husband, Mike, who plays drums and sings on the praise team.  Mike is a professor in the Movement Science Department at GVSU.  Recently they have become empty nesters now that the youngest of their four children has started college, leaving only the golden retriever, Kobie, at home. 

Sandy has gone back to school on the weekends, taking classes to learn additional financial concepts through the Certified Financial Planner program at GVSU.  She hopes to sit for the exam in 2013.

Sandy thoroughly enjoys helping small businesses succeed and grow through the SBA 504 loan program.  There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in being a part of assisting companies achieve their dreams.