Amanda Bauer represents a rare combination of financial leadership, regulatory expertise and community impact. Her career has been defined by successfully leading financial operations in complex and highly regulated environments while maintaining a strong commitment to mentorship and community engagement.
Amanda has built her leadership experience across both public higher education and healthcare, two industries where financial stewardship and transparency are critical. As Controller at the University of Idaho, she oversaw key financial operations and supported legislative reporting related to government relations, ensuring accountability to state stakeholders.
Today, as Controller at Gritman Medical Center, she continues to lead financial operations during a period of significant change in the healthcare industry, helping guide financial stability and informed decision making. What sets Amanda apart is her ability to extend leadership beyond the workplace. As co-founder of a small business that supports local artists and entrepreneurs, she actively contributes to economic development and community collaboration in Moscow, Idaho. Amanda’s career reflects a commitment to strengthening organisations, mentoring future professionals and demonstrating that strong financial leadership can create lasting impact both inside and outside the workplace.
Amanda’s career reflects a consistent commitment to strengthening organisations through responsible financial stewardship, transparency and collaboration. Her experience across both public higher education and healthcare has given her a unique perspective on how financial leadership can support mission driven institutions while navigating complex regulatory environments.
Throughout her career, Amanda has prioritised building strong teams, improving financial systems, and ensuring that financial information supports thoughtful decision making by executive leadership and governing boards. She believes that effective finance leadership requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to communicate clearly, mentor future professionals, and foster a culture of accountability.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Amanda remains deeply engaged in her community through mentorship and entrepreneurship. By supporting local artists and entrepreneurs through her small business, she demonstrates that leadership extends beyond the workplace and can contribute meaningfully to local economic development and community connection. Amanda’s career reflects the values of integrity, service and leadership that this award seeks to recognise.
At the University of Idaho, Amanda supported initiatives that connected accounting students with real world financial operations and internal audit projects. These opportunities provided students with hands on experience and mentorship that helped prepare them for careers in finance and accounting. Amanda also promotes leadership and economic development within her community.
Through her and her husband’s small business, Retro Vibes & Vintage Sounds, she collaborates with local artists and entrepreneurs to showcase creative work and build partnerships that support the local economy. As a female leader in a traditionally male dominated field, Amanda demonstrates that strong financial leadership can coexist with mentorship, collaboration and community engagement. Her career reflects a commitment to creating opportunities for others while strengthening the organisations she serves.
