Lauren Pierce: Former Director of Workers’ Compensation and Business Development at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists

In a field often tangled in red tape and rigid workflows, Lauren Pierce is on a mission to bring heart, clarity, and purpose back into the workers’ compensation process. As the former Director of Workers’ Compensation and Business Development at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists, she led with intention and a deep understanding of how impactful seamless care can be.

“My goal is to simplify the medical treatment process for people who are already overwhelmed,” Lauren shares. “Workers’ comp is complicated enough. Patients deserve a clear, compassionate path to recovery.”

Lauren’s role wasn’t just administrative. It was strategic, collaborative, and deeply human. She oversaw everything from workflows and pre-certification to a dedicated legal support division. She served as the bridge between adjusters, attorneys, physicians, and patients, all while attending industry events and strengthening business relationships. “At the core, it’s about making sure injured workers get the care they need while keeping communication transparent and ethical,” she says.

After years of making an impact at Bienville, Lauren recently took a bold leap by launching her own company, Ethix Comp. Specializing in medical case management and medical practice consulting, the business is more than just a professional pivot. It's the fulfillment of a dream she's had for years.

“Case management is what I love,” Pierce says. “It gets me back to the core of what I’m meant to do. Helping people during a time when they often feel lost, overwhelmed, or unheard. This business allows me to lead with heart and integrity.” Her path to entrepreneurship was built on over a decade of experience, both on the clinical side as a nurse case manager and in high-level leadership roles. At Bienville, she was known for her hands-on approach that made systems more efficient, communication more transparent, and patient care more compassionate.

“Like many people in this industry, I kind of stumbled into workers’ comp,” she laughs. “I knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I didn’t initially connect nursing with this world. Once I did, I realized how much fulfillment there is in helping patients navigate the system.”

Her favorite part? "Seeing the process become less intimidating for someone. That moment when they feel seen and supported, that's everything." Lauren is quick to name the skills that have been vital to her success: strong communication, problem-solving, empathy, and attention to detail. “You have to be able to advocate for patients, work across departments, manage projects, and still keep your integrity intact,” she says.

But Lauren isn’t all business. She’s a mother of two daughters, an adrenaline enthusiast (ask her about bungee jumping or white-water rafting), and a board member for Kids’ Chance of Mississippi, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to children of seriously injured workers. “It’s one of the things I’m most proud of,” she says. “That work has real impact.”

Her personal life has shaped her just as much as her professional one. A single parent at a young age, Lauren says that chapter taught her grit and perseverance. “It made me who I am today,” she reflects. “I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen in our comfort zones.” When asked what inspires her, she answers without hesitation. “My drive to be the best at what I do and my desire to make this system better for everyone involved.”

Whether she’s in meetings, at a conference, or spending time on the water with her kids, Lauren Pierce shows up fully. “I work hard, but I know where to draw the line. My family will always come first,” she says. Driven, empathetic, and deeply authentic, Lauren is proving that even in a highly regulated industry, there is room for human connection. And that’s where true change begins.