LAURA Pierce
Company: Cerner
Title: Portfolio Manager
Age: 30
Favorite Part of Job? IT and the electronic medical record are now integral elements of caring for patients, and it's rewarding to know that the work my team does helps to support physicians and other clinicians in this important work.
Most Inspiring Mentor: I have been lucky to have many great mentors in my life, however, my Mom has served as perhaps the most profound yet quiet mentor as she taught me by example, the values of hard work, humility, and service to others.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Lake Dunmore in Salisbury is a cherished place with spectacular views, terrific water ski conditions and many great memories with family and friends.
Favorite Downtime Activity: There is nothing quite so relaxing to me as working in the garden or kitchen. I love how both allow me to be creative and get my hands a bit dirty, but also force me to be patient!
What is the best career advice you have received? The best advice I’ve received is to set my own definition of success and work towards goals that fulfill my own ambitions and interests.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? Having grown up in Vermont it had always been a dream of mine to return to be close to family and the Green Mountains, as well as contribute back to the community that gave me so much. I love being able to live somewhere that offers such depth of activities and the ability to have a true impact on the community you live in.
Career Highlights: Throughout my education and career, I have been driven by a passion for improving healthcare. I began my career in support of public health research at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health, but soon jumped into the world of Management Consulting which ultimately brought me to Chicago. As I turned my sails back towards Vermont, I was fortunate to find an opportunity with Cerner, a leading global health IT software, device and service company, which has a strong footprint in the Rutland community in support of Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC).
Community Involvement: I began volunteering with the Rutland Young Professionals (RYP) shortly after returning to the Rutland Region in 2016 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2017. The energy of the group was in part what helped attract me to the area, and I’m passionate about providing the same warm welcome and support to others. As part of this organization, I’ve specifically helped to develop a housing referral program to connect Young Professionals with needed resources in our community. I also serve as the organization’s representative to the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. These roles afforded me the opportunity to Co-Chair the 2017 Young Professionals Summit of Vermont with a lifelong friend and fellow Vermonter, which drew over 150 young professionals for a day of targeted programming.
The Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Downtown Rutland is another tremendous community resource that I was eager to support. I serve as the Chair of their Community and Fundraising Events Committee, with direct responsibility for the First Annual Lip Sync Battle as well as a Benefit for the Little Sprouts dinner series.