HOUSTON — Texas Children’s Hospital CEO Mark Wallace is retiring after 35 years leading the organization.
In a news release posted on Thursday, Texas Children’s Hospital announced that Wallace’s retirement is effective on October 4, 2024 – the anniversary of the day that the then-36-year-old started as CEO there. The hospital system has already announced his successor. Debra Sukin, Ph.D., who was named president of Texas Children’s Hospital last year, will be the new CEO beginning on October 5.
“I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on when my last day would be since announcing the search for a new President last year,” Wallace said in the release. “I knew back then that my final chapter was beginning and I’m so happy with how everything has fallen into place. Now, as I embark on this new season— one filled with more time with my wife and my family, friends and perhaps even a few new adventures — I leave with a full heart and deep appreciation for my incredible team. I know that Texas Children’s will only get better and better in the years to come and I will always be cheering this phenomenal organization on from wherever life takes me.”
Under Wallace, Texas Children’s Hospital expanded with the addition of more than 10 million square feet of space and community hospitals in west Houston and in The Woodlands. The Pavilion for Women was also integrated into the TCH system while Wallace was CEO. And earlier this year, Texas Children’s Hospital expanded into Austin with a pediatric and women’s hospital.
Sukin came to Texas Children’s Hospital from Houston Methodist, where she was executive vice president with responsibilities at four hospitals in the system. She was also CEO of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital and led neurosciences at the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart Center.