Her academic journey shaped her professional trajectory and inspired her to call Guilford home for over five decades. Originally from Long Island, New York, she relocated to Connecticut in 1967, when Sandy transferred to Southern Connecticut State University (then Southern Connecticut College) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Shortly after, she enrolled in a 12-month program at Rutgers University, earning a Master of Library Science degree, which led to her first professional role at the SCSU Buley Library.

After four years at the New Haven Free Public Library, Sandy assumed the role of Children’s Librarian at the Guilford Free Library in 1977. Her dedication and expertise earned her rapid promotions, including Assistant Director and Executive Director by 1988. At that time, she moved to Guilford. During Sandy’s leadership, the library underwent a remarkable expansion in 2008, doubling its size and enhancing essential services.

As a long-standing and active member of the community, Sandy held leadership roles on the Women & Family Life Center Board, including a term as president, and the Guilford Art Center Board. She is a dedicated 30+ year Rotarian who served as president and remains involved with the club today. 

Sandy is currently involved in managing the town’s affairs as a member of the Board of Selectmen (BOS) and acts as the BOS representative on the Affordable Housing Commission. Additionally, she maintains a meaningful 30-year relationship with Guilford Savings Bank (soon to be Ascend) as a corporator and former trustee.

Jean Baldwin, a former executive director of the library, and Betty Stevens, a founding member of TGF and a library volunteer, introduced Sandy to The Guilford Foundation. Inspired by its mission and local impact, she joined the TGF board, serving two terms from 2007 to 2014. She was active on the Nominating & Membership Committee and assisted the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) from its inception. She continues to serve in an advisory role with YAG, as she enjoys teaching the Guilford High School students about the power of philanthropy.

In 2025, she established the Sandy Ruoff Fund at TGF to give back to the town that has given her so much. This unrestricted charitable fund empowers the Board of Directors to allocate resources where they are needed most and makes a lasting investment in the future of Guilford.