Long, Sandra

Voted one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 1999 and 2001, Sandra F. Long is considered one of the most influential women in Maryland. In December 2001, Maryland Governor Parris Glendening named her deputy secretary of the state’s Department of Commerce, second in command of Maryland’s chief agency on commerce and industry. Her historical appointment to this post marked the first for a woman or an African-American. With key strengths in finance and operations, she had previously been named chief financial officer for the Maryland State Lottery, where she led a team of experts in the redesign of the $1.1 billion accounting system. As CFO she oversaw eight lottery divisions, including general accounting, finance, budget, audit, procurement and facilities.

She recently received Maryland’s 2002 Woman of Courage Award. With her reputation as a results-oriented leader, an advocate for business and economic development, and a community activist, she was appointed by Gov. Glendening to a four-year term with the Maryland Commission for Women. This agency was established to address a variety of issues related to women: business ownership, health care, childcare, and equality in the workplace. Her other recent commendations include the Follow a Leader Award from Macy’s of New York, the Unsung Hero Award and the National Diversity Leadership Award.