Jill, a Columbia native, graduated from Columbia College with a degree in Biology. In 1992 she helped establish and manage a successful sales/service business for 15 years. Baxter volunteered for a local 501(c) 3 organization from 1993 to 2009. She served a 9-year term on the board as treasurer. She also played a major role organizing and running the annual banquet hosting 800 attendees. In her off time she enjoys cycling (which includes commuting to work via the trail) and time with her grandchildren. Since 2016, she has been applying her organizational skills by assisting with the management of the MU Life Science Business Incubator and working with creative people in the world of science and technology.