Shannon L. Baxa, MS, RHIA, PMP, has been a force to be reckoned with ever since she left the halls of her small-town high school. After a few months of exploring various options, she landed an entry-level file-clerk position that would totally change her life. Shannon used her time as a file clerk to be a complete sponge of all things business. Soon after developing her vision and goals, she set off on an exciting journey.

Throughout the Early Bird Executives series authored by Baxa, we learn of her methodical and precise moves that enabled her to quickly climb the corporate ladder. She has enjoyed watching her salary and responsibilities multiply many times over. Shannon has a true passion for mentoring and empowering others to take leaps they never imagined--this focused drive shines so bright in her writing.

Originally from a small town of only two hundred people, Baxa earned her BS in health information management from Illinois State University and her MS in project management from Northeastern University in Boston. Baxa currently balances her role as national operations director for a large hospital system with teaching health information courses at a Chicago-area college, as well as being a wife and mother to four children ages two to eight.

We invite you to jump on the Early Bird Executives rocket. You better buckle up. The launch is ready--are you?