Laura Shaffer

Laura Shaffer and her husband Shawn have been full-time residents of Sanibel since 2014. After buying a house on Sanibel that was to be a getaway from Nebraska winters, they came for the first few visits and decided to stay, making Sanibel their primary home. The conservation efforts by individuals and organizations on the island and respect for nature were primary drivers along with the beach, water, and wildlife.

Laura has a B.S. degree in Biology, Chemistry, and Business from The University of Tampa. Laura retired after 32 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Over her tenure, Laura was a leader in Sales, Marketing, Commercial Operations and Contracting. In her role with the Merck/Schering Plough Joint Venture, Laura was the National Vice President of Sales and Science responsible for revenue of $6 billion and oversight of 2,000 contract employees as well as direct organizational leadership of 300.

Laura is an active SCCF volunteer with the Sea Turtle Program. Laura is also a volunteer at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum as part of the 4th Grade education program and is a Shell Ambassador. She is also an active volunteer at the Sanibel Community House and is a kayak group leader with the Sanibel Senior Center. Laura enjoys swimming, shelling, long walks on the beach,biking around Sanibel and cooking. Laura and Shawn have two sons, Ryan and Scott who both love visiting Sanibel. During the short time here on Sanibel, Laura and Shawn have tried to be involved in the community and look for ways to give back to the place they now call home.