Bira is a native of St. Louis, graduating from DeSmet High School. He then earned his undergraduate degrees at Rockhurst University in Kansas City. He then earned a masters in heath care administration and his juris doctorate degrees from St. Louis University. His first job came in 1984 when he was named an assistant to the president at St. Mary of Nazerath Hospital in Chicago, Ill, specializing in risk management. In 1988, he was named, at age 29, the CEO at Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville. During his time there, he helped guide that rural hospital through a major renovation and physician recruitment. In 1997, he became an executive vice-president at St. John Mercy Hospital in Washington, Mo. In 2000, he was appointed a vice-president and chief clinical officer at South East Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, a position he held until accepting the CEO position at Lincoln County Medical Center.

"My wife, Ann, has family in Iowa and we saw this hospital during our many visits to that state," he said. "When the opportunity came to apply, I jumped at the chance. Currently, I am in the process of getting to know Lincoln County and the City of Troy, meeting residents. I also am getting acquainted with the medical center's physicians, nurses, staff and department heads. The center's facilities are excellent, have developed strong emergency and surgical departments and the physicians are well qualified."

The Biras have four children including three who are in colleges, with their youngest still in high school.

While in Cape Girardeau, Bira was active in the American Red Cross. He is also a state recipient of a Regents Award through the American College of Healthcare Executives.

"We look forward to becoming a part of this community and help the center's board, doctors and staff provide the best possible services for residents."

Courtesy of the Lincoln County Journal