Susan Sandberg Joins UNC REX Healthcare as Chief Operating Officer
RALEIGH, N.C. – Susan Sandberg has joined UNC REX Healthcare (UNC REX) as its chief operating officer, filling the role previously held by UNC REX Healthcare President Steve Burriss. Sandberg started on Feb. 1.
“We are excited to attract an executive with Sue’s ability, passion for patient care and strong track record of running a large, successful health care organization,” Burriss said. “Our executive team welcomes her as we continue to focus on quality and patient safety, the patient experience and the other efforts that have made UNC REX Wake County’s preferred health system.”
Sandberg was most recently the regional chief operating officer at Community Health Network (CHN) in Indianapolis. She was responsible for strategic growth and operations of Community Hospital North and its tertiary campus. CHN has eight affiliated hospitals, 11 health pavilions, more than 1,000 physicians and 12,000 co-workers.
Prior to serving in her current role, Sandberg held positions at CHN as executive vice president and service line vice president. She held previous roles as director of patient care services, director of women’s and children’s services, clinical nurse manager, administrative nurse manager, team lead in obstetrics and staff nurse in pediatrics and adult medical surgical.
Sandberg holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Master of Business Administration from DePaul University. She is very active in community outreach efforts, serving on numerous boards of directors. Sandberg and her husband, Stu, are excited to relocate to Raleigh. They have two college-aged children.
Sandberg answered a few questions prior to beginning her new position:
Q. Why are you interested in this role at UNC REX?
A. I was drawn to the organization’s vision. The strength of the current leadership made me want to join this dynamic and highly functioning team. And being part of UNC Health Care was a bonus. Finally, my husband, Stu, and I are native Minnesotans and had the goal of relocating from the wintry Midwest in 2016 upon reaching the empty-nester milestone. North Carolina, with its more moderate climate, quickly became a top location for us.
Q. From what you’ve learned about UNC REX so far, what will be your priorities when you begin?
A. My first priority is to be highly visible, visiting as many areas and meeting as many co-workers and physicians as I can. Listening, learning and building strong relationships are very important to me. I plan to hit the ground running and support current operational and growth goals.
Q. What are some activities you are excited to experience after you move to Raleigh?
A. Stu and I are outdoor enthusiasts. I got a new pair of hiking shoes for Christmas and plan to break them in quickly upon our relocation. Additionally, we are huge sports fans. We understand basketball is even bigger in Raleigh than in Indiana, something we thought wasn’t possible. We are looking forward to attending some games. Our favorite spectator sport is hockey. We are excited to be in a town with an NHL team. We will become Carolina Hurricanes fans very quickly!
