Andi graduated from American University, Washington, D.C., with a BSBA, majoring in Personnel Administration.  She worked in administrative/management human resources positions with The Bendix Corporation.  Her most recent work experience was as Vice President, Human Resources for the Aerospace Sector of Bendix (which later merged into Allied-Signal, Inc.) where she had responsibility of personnel programs for 30,000 employees, public relations, graphic arts functions, office services, and flight operations. 

As a member of the Metro Washington Chapter since 1987, she held various positions on the Board; served as Chapter President in 1994-1996; and was honored as their ARCS Light in 1999.  On the National Board, Andi has served as Chair, National Board Meetings; Parliamentarian; Chair of the Advisory Council; Newsletter Director; and Recording Secretary.

A resident of Hilton Head Island, SC since 2004, Andi is involved in many volunteer activities in the community:  Board Chair of Family Promise of Beaufort County (a community response to homelessness with a vision “that every child will have a home”); Grants Committee member for Women in Philanthropy (a dedicated group of local women making a difference in the Lowcountry through the power of collective giving); Trustee and Secretary of Wexford Plantation Charitable Foundation; Co-Founder and Secretary of Wexford Book Club; and a member of Wexford’s Tennis Committee, Women’s Golf Association, and Travel Club.

Married to Bill Purple for 28 years until his death in 2012, the Purple clan consists of seven children, thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild.