Mariah Lemaire

I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, continuous learning, and the people who have supported me along the way. I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible teams whose dedication and collaboration have pushed me to grow as a leader. Mentors have played a major role as well; offering guidance, perspective, and encouragement at pivotal moments in my career. On a personal level, my husband has been my foundation. His support, patience, and belief in me have given me the confidence to take risks, pursue new opportunities, and navigate the inevitable challenges that come with leadership. Ultimately, any success I’ve had is the result of shared effort, strong relationships, and staying grounded in my values as I continue to learn and evolve.

The best advice I’ve received is to pursue roles that align with your values, not just your plan. Fulfillment and growth follow when you choose work that matters to you.

I would encourage young professionals entering the healthcare industry to embrace the reality that career paths are rarely linear. Give yourself permission to explore different areas, stay curious, and say yes to opportunities (even the ones that might feel out of reach). Every interview, every new role, and every challenge builds experience and confidence. Don’t hesitate to aim higher than you think you’re ready for. Growth often happens when you step into unfamiliar territory. If you continue showing up, advocating for yourself, and pursuing work that aligns with your values, someone will believe in your potential and offer you that chance.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the increasing complexity of payer requirements and reimbursement structures. Prior authorizations, medical necessity rules, and constantly shifting billing guidelines create friction that directly impacts cash flow and staff workload. Navigating this constant change is demanding, but these transitions also create significant opportunities. As healthcare and the revenue cycle continue to evolve, there is tremendous potential for improvement, innovation, and growth for those willing to adapt and lead through uncertainty.

Teams that invest in strong operational foundations, clear workflows, and proactive denial prevention can differentiate themselves quickly. There is also enormous potential in leveraging data more intentionally; using dashboards, targeted work queues, and focused “blitz” efforts to reduce backlogs and strengthen A/R performance. Organizations that embrace these strategies are better positioned to stay resilient and drive meaningful, sustainable results.

Transparency, integrity, and compassion are the values that guide me most in both my work and personal life. They influence how I lead, how I collaborate, and how I show up for the people around me. I believe in being clear and honest, doing what’s right even when it’s difficult, and approaching every interaction with empathy. These values keep me grounded, help me build trust, and ensure that the decisions I make reflect both my purpose and the kind of leader I strive to be.