Helping strengthen the Leesburg community has been one of the greatest privileges of Sandi Moore’s career. As president and CEO of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, she connects businesses, develops leaders and creates opportunities that bring people together.

Throughout her career, Sandi has worked to support local businesses and schools while creating programs that encourage community involvement. She founded the SPARK youth leadership program, has supported Teacher Appreciation Breakfast and other school initiatives and helped launch Leesburg in Bloom. She has also worked alongside volunteers, businesses and community partners on projects throughout the area.

“I believe lasting change happens when people choose to work together rather than apart,” Sandi says.

While she is proud of her professional accomplishments, Sandi says her greatest achievement is raising her two sons. Her oldest serves in the U.S. Army, while her youngest is a firefighter/EMT with the City of Leesburg.

“Their commitment to serving others reminds me that the greatest legacy we leave is often found in the people we’ve helped shape,” Sandi says.

Her own approach to service began with her parents, who taught her the importance of hard work, integrity and kindness. Professionally, Sandi says former Leesburg Main Street Manager Joe Shipes played an important role in developing her confidence as a leader.

Joe challenged her to look beyond obstacles and find ways to get things done. He encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, trusted her with new opportunities and taught her that sometimes leadership simply means being willing to take the first step.

“Most importantly, he believed in me before I fully believed in myself,” Sandi says.

She now tries to do the same for others by encouraging them to recognize their potential and believe they are capable of more than they may realize.

For the next generation of professionals and community leaders, Sandi’s advice comes back to the relationships that have shaped her own life and career.

“Don’t chase success. Chase significance,” Sandi says. “Success is something you achieve, but significance is found in the lives you impact. Build relationships, keep your integrity and leave every person and every community a little better than you found it.”