Sandra Wheatley

As Director of Global Community Affairs for Cisco, Sandra Wheatley leads the strategy development and execution of the company’s community relations initiatives around the world. In addition, she spearheads Cisco’s Civic Council programs, which drive employee community service, and the company’s global employee matching gifts programs.

At Cisco, community engagement is fundamental to everyone’s success, helping to change the way people live, work, play and learn. The company’s community relations program accelerates societal transformation and shapes local business environments through investing people, technology and financial resources. Wheatley strategically invests those assets to strengthen Cisco’s brand and reputation in communities worldwide, to build employee development and culture, as well as a strong and healthy business environment, where Cisco has a significant presence. During her tenure Cisco has received numerous awards for community leadership and services including the Points of Light Corporate Engagement Award of Excellence.

Before moving into community affairs in 2007, Wheatley spent eight years in Cisco’s Corporate Public Relations group, working in the Office of the President on a range of corporate and business issues as well as education and health care. Wheatley, who has more than 20 years experience in the high-tech industry, previously managed public relations for Advanced Micro Devices.

Wheatley serves on the boards of directors for Guadalupe River Parks and Gardens, the Santa Clara Family Health Foundation and InnVision. She has a bachelor of science degree in political science from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif. and a Certificate in Corporate Community Involvement Leadership from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.