Accomplished pediatric nursing leader brings more than two decades of experience advancing quality, safety and clinical excellence

PHOENIX, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phoenix Children’s has appointed Tarra Kerr, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. Kerr will provide strategic and operational leadership for the health system’s more than 2,100 nurses. She will oversee nursing workforce planning and practice advancement, while working closely with physician leaders to strengthen systemwide quality, safety and clinical performance.

“Tarra brings deep pediatric clinical experience and a strong track record of advancing quality and safety in complex healthcare environments,” said John R. Nickens IV, President and CEO, Phoenix Children’s. “She understands what it takes to support a thriving nursing workforce while maintaining the highest standards of care. Her experience will be an important asset as we continue investing in nursing excellence and pursue Magnet designation.”

Kerr joins Phoenix Children’s following a 20-year tenure at Texas Children’s, consistently ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospitals. As Vice President, she oversaw quality, safety and regulatory excellence, accreditation, infection prevention, emergency management, simulation, population health, care coordination, social work, family advocacy and medical staff services and credentialing. Kerr also helped drive measurable improvements in safety and workforce outcomes, including reductions in preventable harm and serious safety events, and turnover.

Kerr will report directly to Jamie Wiggins, PhD, MBA, RN, FACHE, FAAN, Phoenix Children’s incoming EVP, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Executive. Wiggins will provide system-level clinical leadership to ensure nursing helps shape broader operational and clinical decisions. Kerr will lead nursing’s operations and strategy.

“She understands both the complexity of modern healthcare and the importance of staying connected to frontline teams,” said Wiggins. “Tarra brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to leadership, and I look forward to partnering with her as we continue advancing our nursing priorities across Phoenix Children’s.”

Throughout her career, Kerr has focused on building high-performing teams and creating systems that help nurses deliver safe, reliable and compassionate care. Her leadership philosophy centers on listening to frontline teams, strengthening professional practice and fostering a culture where nurses are empowered to improve outcomes for patients and families.

“I’m honored to join Phoenix Children’s and look forward to working alongside its nurses, listening to the teams closest to the work, and building on a culture that values nurses’ voices and supports them in delivering exceptional care to children and families,” said Kerr. “Together, we have an opportunity to build on Phoenix Children’s strong foundation and continue advancing the care we provide to children and families.”

Kerr is a board-certified advanced nurse executive and holds Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certifications, Advanced Quality Improvement Certification and training in resilience engineering in healthcare.

She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from North Harris Community College.

About Phoenix Children’s 
Phoenix Children’s is one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems. It comprises Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus, Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Arrowhead Campus, Phoenix Children’s Hospital – East Valley, Phoenix Children’s – Avondale Campus, four pediatric specialty and urgent care centers, 12 community pediatric practices, 20 outpatient clinics, two ambulatory surgery centers and seven community-service outpatient clinics throughout the state of Arizona. The system provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care and has been serving children and families for more than 40 years. Phoenix Children’s Care Network includes more than 1,405 pediatric primary care providers and specialists who deliver care across more than 75 subspecialties. Alongside our colleagues, collaborators and communities, we’re elevating pediatric care, education and innovation, so we can all grow healthier together. For more information, visit phoenixchildrens.org. 

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SOURCE Phoenix Children’s