UNC REX Healthcare Names Kirsten Riggs Vice President of Heart and Vascular Services

RALEIGH, N.C. – UNC REX Healthcare (UNC REX) has named Kirsten Riggs vice president of heart and vascular services. Riggs has a long track record of leadership and commitment to patient care, with an 18-year career at UNC REX. She most recently served as executive director of North Carolina Heart and Vascular, one of the largest cardiovascular physician practices in North Carolina.

“We are pleased to have Kirsten take on this key position at UNC REX,” said Steve Burriss, president of UNC REX. “She’s dedicated to improving the health of our community, while embracing all of the changes that are transforming the world of medicine.”

Riggs will play an important role as UNC REX prepares to open a new heart and vascular hospital on its main Raleigh campus early next year. The eight-story, 300,000 square-foot facility now under construction will consolidate existing cardiovascular care and services into one convenient location. This hospital will be a destination for innovation, research, preventative care and cutting-edge treatment for patients across North Carolina and beyond for generations to come.

“I’m thrilled to be part of a strong team focused on delivering the most innovative, cutting-edge heart and vascular care for our patients,” Riggs said. “This is an exciting time as UNC REX expands our ability to treat and prevent one of the most pressing health challenges for our region and state.”

Riggs has 18 years of experience at UNC REX. She began as a staff nurse on the short stay unit. Other roles include clinical nurse manager in surgical prep and recovery, pre-admission testing, and post anesthesia care unit; operations manager for surgical services; director of peri-operative services; and director of regional site administration at UNC REX’s outpatient campuses.

Riggs holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University and a Masters in Health Administration from Pfeiffer University.