McAllen, TX — David Irizarry has been named Chief Operating Officer at Rio Grande Regional Hospital, announced hospital Chief Executive Officer Cris Rivera.

Irizarry previously served as the hospital’s Assistant Administrator and Interim Ethics and Compliance Officer.  He also served as Supply Chain Director and later transitioned into the role of Rio Grande Surgery Center Administrator.  Before assuming leadership roles, David served as a volunteer at Rio Grande Regional Hospital for ten years.

“I am excited about having the opportunity to continue working with the quality driven team of clinicians, nurses and essential support personnel at Rio Grande Regional Hospital and further contributing to the legacy of providing top-notch patient-centered care to the Rio Grande Valley,” Irizarry said.  “My goal is to help advance the hospitals nationally recognized services to the residents of the community where I grew up in.  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief Operating Officer of an organization committed to the care and improvement of human life.”

Irizarry earned a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management from Texas A&M Health Science Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Political Science with a Minor in History from The University of Texas Pan American (now UTRGV).

Throughout his career, Irizarry has co-authored various journal articles and presentations focusing on key healthcare issues. His leadership activities and organization memberships include the American College of Healthcare Executives, Leadership McAllen, Emerging Leaders of McAllen and a Fellow of the Exito Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training.