His father retired from the United States Post Office after 38 years of service, promoted to the position of Tour Superintendent for downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Upon completing military service, Sanders resumed his legal studies and earned a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University - Moritz College of Law in 1994.

In 2008, Sanders was selected as one of just 24 elected officials from across the nation to be a fellow of the Aspen Institute-Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership program.

Founded in 1950, the Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.that fosters enlightened leadership and open-minded nonpartisan dialogue.

In 2015 after the loss of his father, Sanders resigned from office stating he wished to spend more time with his family and resume his legal career.

[4] Criminal Charges In January 2018, Sanders pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in federal court.