40 UNDER 40: Amanda Bauer

Growth is rarely linear. 

Amanda Bauer, finance controller for Gritman Medical Center in Moscow, knows that as well as anyone. 

“I have made thoughtful pivots when opportunities aligned with my values and long-term goals and those decisions have expanded both my perspective and my impact,” she said. 

Bauer began her career in the real estate advertising department at The Desert Sun, a newspaper in southern California, and aspired to become an editor for a major magazine. But after working in advertising, she found herself increasingly drawn to the business side of operations, including strategy, revenue and performance. This experience led her to change her major from communications to business with a minor in marketing. 

When Bauer transitioned into finance, she returned to school and pursued a master’s degree in accountancy. 

“Earning my master’s degree was transformative,” she said. “It strengthened my analytical thinking, deepened my understanding of financial reporting and compliance and gave me the technical credibility that expanded my leadership opportunities.” 

Completing her degrees through the University of Phoenix allowed her to work full time, start a family and continue advancing professionally. 

“That experience taught me discipline, resilience and time management in a very real way,” she said.

Bauer later brought her expertise into higher education, where she spent more than a decade in financial leadership roles supporting complex institutions and navigating large-scale operations, compliance and strategic planning.

She and her family eventually relocated to North Idaho to join the University of Idaho, a move that combined professional opportunity with a desire to be part of a close-knit community. That experience ultimately led her to Gritman Medical Center, where she continues to expand her impact in healthcare finance.

Bauer said she’s been fortunate to learn from strong mentors along the way who trusted her with responsibility early in her career, challenged her to think strategically and modeled integrity in difficult decisions.

“I carry pieces of their influence with me into every new chapter,” she said.

Bauer also credits much of her ability to grow her career while raising a family to the unwavering support of her husband, Brian Bauer, who has been a constant partner through every chapter.

Bauer said she and her husband built their careers and business while raising their children. That season, she said, is how she defines success. With her children close to leaving the nest and the next phase of life beginning, she said she anticipates even greater opportunity to lean into executive leadership and continue expanding her impact. 

“The unknown is often where growth lives,” she said. “Stepping into it with courage and humility has made all the difference.”