Lane new Red Cross community executive

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A few years ago, Sandy Lane was going through a tough time. She had recently lost her job when the Kongsberg plant closed and she was also going through a divorce.

Typically, for Lane,, she reacted to her own personal troubles by deciding she would help others and started volunteering through the local chapter of the American Red Cross approximately 4½ years ago. On Monday, Lane officially took over as the chapter’s new community executive.

“I needed to do something positive,” Lane said as the reason for her decision to volunteer with the Red Cross. “I knew (former Red Cross executive) Edie (Laukhuf) and I came in and talked to her, and the rest is history,” Lane said. “I guess I’ve always been wanting to help, but I never really did anything about it. Now, I have that opportunity to do something.”

Lane started out answering phones and then was talked into helping out with local blood drives. She eventually directed local bloodmobile operations.

The new Red Cross executive had nothing but good words for Laukhuf, her predecessor. “She set the standard,” Lane said. “Good ethics, caring about the community, being a part of the community and getting things done.”

The new Red Cross executive added that Laukhuf still volunteers for the Red Cross and has assisted her in “learning the ropes” of her new position.

While Lane hasn’t worked in the Red Cross’ disaster response services area, she has an able Disaster Services director  in Mark Klausing, who has headed up that area for several years.

Since her new job also involves recruiting new volunteers for the Red Cross, Lane said she is seeking people who want to help their community, much like she did when she first started volunteering.

“I’m looking for good ethics and a good heart,” she said. “Somebody who wants to help others.”

Lane, who also sits on the Van Wert County Disaster Team, said she is currently learning more about the other community agencies that provide assistance to local residents. She said she is meeting with other agency heads, including Major Art Barter of The Salvation Army and Deb Russell of the United Way, to ensure that the agencies aren’t duplicating their efforts, while those in trouble get the services they need.

Meanwhile, Lane is happy and excited to head an organization she feels so positively about personally. “I think (the Red Cross) is a wonderful organization.”