Brooke Sanford began working at South Alabama Electric Cooperative as the human resources coordinator in April 2022. She works behind the scenes with employees making sure everything functions efficiently on a daily basis.
Sanford grew up in Opp, and graduated from Opp High School. She attended Troy University, where she graduated from the Sorrell College of Business with a degree in human resource management.
What are your responsibilities?
Sanford: I maintain and develop policies, workplace initiatives and regulations to provide a better working environment for productivity. All our onboarding, employee exit management, benefits programs, training and development and reporting requirements are also part of my responsibility.
What made you want to join the SAEC team?
Sanford: SAEC employs people who are kind, caring and excellent at the service they provide. I’m honored and blessed to now be working alongside them.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Sanford: A large part of human resources is employee relations, which is my favorite part of this profession. Fostering the connection and aligning goals for growth between management and our employees is my passion.
What do you think is the most important impact SAEC has on its community?
Sanford: This cooperative not only gives back to our community, but SAEC is a member of it. Whether it’s helping schools, funding local projects or constructing a building design with a place for community events in mind, South Alabama Electric Cooperative puts its members and community first.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you aren’t working? Any interesting hobbies?
Sanford: I enjoy being home, so cooking, baking with my kids or curling up with a good book is what makes me happy.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Sanford: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou. Learning through experiences and mistakes is a part of life, but changing for the better after those situations is what matters.