FARMINGTON, MO, February 02, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Lisa D. Baird, CPC-I, COC, has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Baird has dedicated over 35 years to the health care industry, establishing herself as a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in managed care. Currently, she serves as the chief operating officer at Aetna Better Health, where she oversees the daily operations of the KanCare program in Kansas. This program provides Medicaid-managed care to approximately 140,000 members and generates an annual revenue of about $1 billion. She is responsible for managing member and provider services and contracting departments, and she acts as the external representative for both the state and Aetna with providers.

Ms. Baird began her career in 1988 at Coventry Health Care, where she started in an entry-level position. Over the next two decades, she gained experience in various departments, including claims, provider relations and network management. She progressed from a supervisor to a manager and eventually became the director of compliance. In 2008, she joined Aetna as a director of implementation, traveling across different states to apply managed care plans for eight years. Her role expanded when she became the chief of staff in the Great Plains Region, reporting directly to the regional vice president.

In 2015, Ms. Baird was appointed as the chief operating officer at Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, a position she held until 2019. She then served as the chief operating officer at Aetna Better Health of Missouri from 2016 to 2017 before taking on her current role in Kansas. Additionally, she briefly served as the interim chief executive officer for Aetna Better Health of Kansas in 2022. Throughout her tenure at Aetna, she was renowned for her ability to stabilize health plans facing implementation challenges.

Further supporting Ms. Baird's career in health care have been her academic endeavors and certifications. She earned a Bachelor of Science in health services administration from the University of Phoenix in 2013, followed by a Master of Health Administration in health care administration and management from the same institution, which she completed in 2019. Her certifications include being a certified professional coder since 2003 and a licensed coding instructor through the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Ms. Baird's commitment to continuous learning and setting goals has been instrumental in her career success. She is an active member of the American Academy of Professional Coders and contributes to civic associations such as animal rescue organizations and the American Heart Association. She has also shared her expertise as a guest speaker on a podcast discussing career paths.

Looking ahead, Ms. Baird aims to consult, mentor and help individuals start their health care careers. She is considering teaching a coding or health administration course at a university before eventually retiring comfortably to enjoy life with her family.

# # #