Sandra Cleary was born and raised by Russell and Gail Cleary in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Sandy graduated from Central High School in 1978 and was ranked as one of the top 10 students in her class. After graduating, she attended UW-La Crosse for a year before attending Hamline University and College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. She also attended London School of Economics, London, England her spring term in 1982. She graduated Magna Cum Laude B.A., Business Administration and Accounting in 1982. Her sophomore year, Sandy was also honored with the C. Olsen award for outstanding woman, and Sandy continued to excel through the years passing the Minnesota State Board of Accounting CPA Exam in 1984.

Sandy has a great passion for her career, her community and most importantly, her family. She is the proud mother of her two children, Kate and Russell, who both attended UW-Madison. As one could imagine, Sandy is a big Badgers fan, spending many of her weekends visiting her children while they were in school. Sandy also prioritizes time with her mother, Gail, and sister, Kristine. Together, they have made many great memories.

Sandy also has a love for horses and was the proud owner of Horse and Hound, the largest western wear and tack retailer in the tri-state area, for over 30 years! She is currently the Executive Vice President of Cleary Management. Though Sandy is often busy with work obligations and making time for family, she has found time to contribute countless hours giving back to the community by participating on several Boards and Community Affiliations, hosting fundraisers, and volunteering at events. 

Sandy has been a life-long supporter of the Boys & Girls Club. She shares the same belief as her parents that it is important to invest in the youth of our community. It is because of people like Sandy that the Club is the successful organization that it is today. The Club cannot thank Sandy enough for her time and dedication to its mission of serving “those who need us most”.