A Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. executive is the new chair of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey’s board of trustees.

Kevin T. Rigby, Novartis’ vice president and head of public affairs and communications, U.S.general medicines, has begun a two-year term leading the board. He appointed Brian Kelly, northeast regional director for state and external affairs at Novartis, to serve as chair of HINJ’s steering committee.

Rigby previously was vice chair of HINJ’s board. He succeeds C.R. Bard Inc. Chairman and CEO Timothy M. Ring, who will retain his board seat.

At Novartis, Rigby handles the company’s internal and external communications and public policy efforts. He also works on philanthropic programs and is president of the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation Inc. and a board member at the state’s business recruitment nonprofit, Choose NewJersey.

Rigby joined Novartis in 2002 after working at Hoffman-LaRoche Inc. He’s a former chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley, and was mayor of River Edge.

HINJ’s other board officers are:

Vice Chairs: Clifford E. Holland, corporate vice president for government affairs and policy Johnson & Johnson; and James C. Shehan, corporate vice president and general counsel at Novo Nordisk Inc.

Treasurer: Craig Bleifer, vice president, general counsel and secretary at Daiichi Sankyo Inc.

The board’s secretary is Lisa Goldman, head of U.S. ethics and compliance for Novartis Oncology.