Phoenix Children's Welcomes Jamie Wiggins as Executive Vice President and COO

Phoenix Children's New Leadership: Jamie Wiggins

Phoenix Children's has made headlines with the announcement of Jamie Wiggins, an accomplished leader in pediatric healthcare, as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Wiggins, who also holds the title of Chief Nursing Executive, is stepping into this pivotal role at a time when the organization is focusing on significant growth and enhancement of its healthcare services.

Wiggins brings a wealth of experience to Phoenix Children's, having a robust background in operations and clinical leadership. Previously, he served as the Executive Vice President and COO at Arkansas Children's, showcasing his adeptness in managing complex pediatric institutions. His career also includes high-level roles such as Senior Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer, and Chief Nursing Officer at Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans, as well as leadership positions at well-regarded institutions like Nicklaus Children's Health System and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

In discussing his new role, Wiggins highlighted the importance of integrating operational and nursing leadership to foster an environment focused on exceptional care for children and families. He stated, "Exceptional care is about safety, coordination, accessibility, and compassion. For our staff, it means empowering them to excel by removing barriers and fortifying their teams."

Wiggins’s previous experiences will play a vital role as Phoenix Children's continues its Journey to Magnet® designation, which recognizes healthcare organizations for excellence in nursing. He has a notable history of spearheading Magnet efforts, emphasizing the importance of developing professional nursing practice under supportive leadership.

His commitment extends beyond administrative responsibilities; he is also dedicated to nurturing the next generation of pediatric nurses and healthcare leaders. Wiggins has been involved in academia as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and as an Adjunct Instructor at the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. His educational credentials are impressive, including a PhD with a focus on pediatric care outcomes and nurse practice environments, as well as an MBA.

Phoenix Children's stands out as one of the largest pediatric health systems in the nation. It encompasses multiple hospital campuses and extensive outpatient services throughout Arizona. With a vast network of pediatric primary care providers and specialists, Phoenix Children's delivers comprehensive care across numerous subspecialties. The organization has a legacy of over 40 years of service to children and families and is committed to advancing pediatric care, education, and innovation.

As Wiggins embarks on this new journey with Phoenix Children's, he aims to strengthen the organization's foundational values and enhance its mission. His extensive expertise is expected to contribute to the continuous elevation of pediatric healthcare standards, ensuring that children and their families receive the compassionate, efficient care they deserve. Together with the team at Phoenix Children's, Wiggins is poised to lead transformative changes that will benefit the community and foster healthier futures for children throughout Arizona.

For more information about Phoenix Children's and their initiatives, visit phoenixchildrens.org.