Marianne Mesich Allen
Centreville, VA
Class of 1977
Health Information Management

Tell us about the work you do:  I spent the past 30 years working in health information operations.  On the provider side (hospitals), I transformed health information departments from statistics gathering to payment/reimbursement departments.  On the vendor side (Ingenix), I worked as a consultant setting up hospitals with coding programs. Lastly, as vice president of operations at Ingenix, I was responsible for maintaining operational excellence while increasing customer satisfaction and employee engagement.  I have been coached and mentored by many leaders that had confidence in me to lead in areas where I am passionate -customer service, employee satisfaction and data quality. 

A source of pride in your life:  I am so proud of my family.  They are and continue to be my cheering section, my listening section and my encouragement section. 

Best St. Scholastica memories:  Every Sunday morning I would visit the Sisters in the priory and we would read books and letters or just talk and laugh.  It was the most rewarding feeling to give back and know that you made a difference every Sunday morning. 

Significant influences:  The professors in the HIM Program, specifically Shirley Eichenwald Maki, Kathy LaTour, and the late Patricia Pierce.  They taught me so much about people, patience and respect.  They were always available and made you feel like you were the only student.  I also want to thank the late Dr. Brennan, the late Sister Kathleen O’Brien, and Dr. James McLaughlin as they made learning so much fun. 

Other achievements:   I was elected president of the Minnesota Health Information Association which was a wonderful and enriching experience.  In 2004, I received the Sister Alice Lamb award from St. Scholastica for which I was honored and humbled.  Last year, I received an employee leadership award at Ingenix.

Something interesting about your life: Ten years after I moved from Minnesota to the Washington D.C. area, a Minnesota-based company acquired my employer and I was working with Minnesotans again –  you betcha!  How things come full circle.

Family ties: My sister-in-law, my sister, my neighbor (in Hibbing) and my cousin all graduated from the HIM Program at St. Scholastica.  My niece just completed her first year and will be applying to the Nursing Program.  I believe so strongly in the HIM Program and in the College that I continue to encourage prospective students to take a moment to call or visit the College.  I am also part of the Alumni Career Network. 

Further education: I received my MBA from the University of St. Thomas ten years after I graduated from St. Scholastica.  This degree has allowed me to view business from a general manager’s perspective and provide leadership in other functional areas.

Philosophy: Be kind, do your best, be positive, be honest and have fun (laugh a lot)!

Impact of the Benedictine values: It is important for me to give back to the College, community or other organizations because I have been blessed to attend St. Scholastica.  The richness of giving is knowing that you are allowing others to have the same opportunity you had.