Merchants Bonding Company Welcomes Elisabeth Sandersfeld
April 3, 2023
New Chief Financial Officer at Merchants Bonding Company
Elisabeth Sandersfeld moving from Continental Western to Merchants
Following a robust search, Merchants Bonding Company will welcome Elisabeth Sandersfeld as the new chief financial officer on April 3, 2023. Sandersfeld is the former vice president and chief financial officer for Continental Western Group, a division of WR Berkley Company, a large property and casualty company headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. Sandersfeld will join Merchants as chief financial officer, treasurer and chief risk officer, replacing Don Blum who will retire May 1.
“Elisabeth brings much experience to our leadership team with a broad background that also includes roles as CFO for both Berkley North Pacific and Berkley Agribusiness as well as CFO for GuideOne Insurance in West Des Moines,” said Merchants’ President and Chairman of the Board Larry Taylor. “I am excited to add Elisabeth’s skills and breadth of experience to continue to build on the success we have had with Don Blum as CFO,” said Taylor.
Sandersfeld’s addition to Merchants’ leadership team is also a confirmation of the company’s commitment to the EPIC Iowa Challenge. Merchants was an inaugural participant in the challenge to promote women leaders at all levels and has continued to strengthen its inclusiveness and reap the benefits of more diverse leadership. "I am grateful for the incredible opportunities I've experienced throughout my career. I am now excited to join the Merchants Bonding team, with its engaging and innovative culture of excellence, celebrating 90 years as the trusted expert in surety. Together, we will build upon the transformational growth already underway, by delivering first class experiences in every relationship." said Sandersfeld.
Merchants Bonding is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2023, building on record growth in 2022 and continued expansion as a national leader in surety bonding. Merchants was honored last year with a national certification from Great Places to Work, and was honored in February 2023 as a “Best Place for Working Parents” by the Best Place for Working Parents Network.