Wiggs Joins Creighton’s Institute for Population Health as Deputy Director for Phoenix
Christine Wiggs, PhD, MPH, joined Creighton’s Institute for Population Health as deputy director, Phoenix, on Oct. 1. In the role, Wiggs will help lead and grow the institute’s work on Creighton’s Health Sciences Campus – Phoenix and across Arizona, connecting Creighton’s academic, clinical and community strengths with efforts to improve health and advance health equity.
Wiggs has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and public health leadership. Before coming to Creighton, she was the founding president of the AZ Blue Foundation and vice president of community and health advancement at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. In these roles, she led statewide efforts in philanthropy, public health and corporate social responsibility, focusing on reducing disparities, expanding access to care and supporting community-driven solutions.
She also has held senior leadership roles at Aetna Medicaid and worked on community-based research and evaluation at the University of Arizona. These experiences have shaped her collaborative, evidence-based approach and her understanding of the factors that affect health. Wiggs earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Gonzaga University and holds a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science and a doctorate from the University of Arizona.
“The opportunity to connect academic expertise with community priorities felt like a natural next chapter,” Wiggs said. “The Institute for Population Health brings together research, innovation and partnership to improve health, and I’m excited to help translate that potential into meaningful impact across Arizona.”
Focus on Listening, Building Partnerships
Wiggs plans to focus on listening to communities, building trusted partnerships and matching Creighton’s strengths with Arizona’s needs. In her first year, she hopes to set a clear strategy for Arizona, strengthen the Phoenix team and start collaborative projects that promote health equity and improve access to care.
Wiggs is an active community leader and serves on several boards, including the Phoenix Indian Center, GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix – Down Syndrome Achievement Center, and the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health. She has been recognized as one of AZ Big Media’s Most Influential Women of 2023, a 2025 Phoenix TITAN 100 Leader of Industry and the University of Arizona College of Public Health’s 2025-2026 Alumna of the Year.
Wiggs, who grew up in Arizona, said this work is very personal to her. She feels inspired by her Creighton colleagues’ dedication and looks forward to working with local communities to help build a healthier future.
