To celebrate the driven, dedicated leaders who power our communities forward, we asked you to tell us who is the Hardest-Working Woman on the Coast. We received dozens of nominations; you cast your votes, and now we’re pleased to unveil your picks in Gulf Coast Woman’s Hardest-Working Woman on the Coast 2022 contest.
Winner
Pia Bordelon
Bienville Orthopaedic office director earns respect, ‘sets fine example’
Many who work with Pia Bordelon at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists admire her character as much as her work ethic.
“She fights for her team and is fair and is a pleasure to work with,” says colleague Miranda Chaney, who nominated her for Gulf Coast Woman’s “Hardest- Working Woman on the Coast” honors. “She sets a fine example and shows loyalty, enthusiasm and compassion for her team.”
Bordelon, who is director of Bienville’s business office, garnered 153 votes to win the title. She was humbled and surprised by the recognition, which she calls “a huge compliment.”
“Our office is full of hard-working women who I respect tremendously, so I am extremely flattered that they feel I am worthy of this recognition,” she says. “When I first heard of the nomination, I felt like the actors on award shows that say they are happy just to be nominated. I was excited that someone thought enough of me to submit my name and absolutely stunned that I won.”
A 20-year veteran of orthopedic management, Bordelon fell into the medical field somewhat by accident. A friend of her grandmother’s asked if she could type and whether she would be willing to help with a project. She went in to assist with office work and soon found herself working in the billing department handing special accounts.
“I then got into orthopedics and enjoyed the challenge of the different patient types, commercial, worker’s compensation, and legal work,” she says, “which you don’t see in many other specialties.”
A quick-thinking problem solver, Bordelon credits her resourcefulness to a surgeon she once worked for.
“He did not want to hear that I was unable to accomplish a task that was assigned to me and taught me how to think of multiple options to get the job done,” she says.
Thanks to his instruction and example, she adds, “I find that I get really creative when dealing with a unique scenario and enjoy teaching my team how to think through and resolve some of the difficult challenges we face on a daily basis.”
In her job, Bordelon oversees all the teams responsible for the entire workflow once a patient is seen. This encompasses pre-certification, collections and everything in between. Outside of Bienville, she is wife to husband Stephen, with whom she recently celebrated a 30th wedding anniversary; mom to daughter, Maggie, a first-grade teacher; and a furmom to two Great Pyrenees and two pugs.
“Our house is full of love, lots of wet kisses and usually dog hair,” she says, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
2nd Place
Jennifer Noble
“Jennifer is the owner and lead decorator for Cheeky Monkey Cake Company in Biloxi. They are about to celebrate their 10th anniversary. In addition to the work she does running a custom cake shop, she is also the vice president of the International Cake Exploration Society and the current convention chairman/ expo coordinator for their annual convention and show, known as Cake Expo. She is also an ICES-approved teacher and travels the country teaching other sugar artists and business owners at various cake shows and conventions throughout the year (most recently at the Ultimate Sugar Show in Atlanta, Georgia).”
3rd Place
Cindy Hansen
“Cindy’s title is director of employee health at Memorial Hospital; she is so much more! She is the knowledge of COVID for the staff and the public. Cindy is always available for questions and always has the answers. Cindy is kind and patient with everyone at all times. She has appeared on the local news numerous times with education for all involving COVID and vaccinations. Cindy is the hardest-working woman I know and does it all with grace and kindness.”
Other Nominees:
- Dr. Andrea Barker
- Janie O’Keefe
- Christina Pike
- Robin Killeen
- Alexis Williams
- Patricia Moss
- Lindsey Lind Richard
- Tashia McGinn
- Randi Mura
- Jennifer Lee
- Sabrina Stallworth
- Kacie Pelaez Denny
- Dr. Angela Wingfield
- Katherine Sutton
- Courtney Jacobs
- Sheila Farr
- Tina Dinh
- Tammy Harrell
- Leslie Ramon
- Heather Sanders
- Theresa Cuevas
- Blythe King
- Avra O’Dwyer
- Cheli Strumila
- Amber Olsen
- Cheyenne Underwood
- Dr. Ashley Emerson Essary
- Caelleigh Downer de Gutierrez
- Amber Carroll
- Carol Burnett
- Karen Coleman
- Liz Hoop
- Rita Green
- Maegan Fisackerly
- Roxane Dykes
- Susan Siemiontkowski
- Sandy Sanders
- Pat Tilley
- Krystyna Schmitt
- Karisma Slusher
- Jamie Rhodes
- Karol Brandt
- April Martin
- Anne Guille
- Lilian Perez-Gollott
- Candace Hasan
- Stefanie Jantz
- Starr Chapman
- Dr. Tiffany Entrekin
- Adele Lyons
- Chelsea Campbell
- Ashira Windsor
- Dr. Yolanda Jerry
- Melissa Lock Pearson
- Misty Stevenson
- Roxane Colegrove Dykes
- Brittany Gianelloni
- Jacqueline Hall
- Patricia Lewis
- Kristen Schmitz
- Katy Frazier
- Amanda Gray
- Christy Elias
- LuAnn Pappas
- Mary Cracchiolo Spain
- Holly Lemoine Raymond
- Paige Roberts
- Sandi Favre
- Kyla Jacobs
- Tracie Strayham
- Jeanne Brackin
- Dr. Diane Ross
- Beverly Harvey
- Ungela Lock
- Patricia Tillman
- Barbara Robinson