After more than three decades leading Texas Children’s Hospital, CEO Mark A. Wallace has announced his retirement, set for Oct. 4, which also marks his 35th anniversary with the hospital.
Wallace’s tenure began in 1989, when he became president and CEO at the age of 36. Over the years, he oversaw Texas Children’s Hospital grow by over 10 million square feet through major expansion projects.
Recommended Videos
His efforts included the creation of two community hospitals—Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus and The Woodlands—as well as the Pavilion for Women, integrating women’s health services with pediatric care.
Most recently, in 2024, Wallace led the opening of a 365,000-square-foot facility in North Austin, further expanding the hospital’s footprint.
“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 a press 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.”
Debra Sukin, Ph.D., who was appointed president earlier this year following a national search, will officially take over as President and CEO on Oct. 5.
“It has been an honor to work with Mark Wallace over this past year and I want to thank him for his visionary leadership which has grown the world’s largest women’s and children’s hospital,” Sukin said in a press release. “I look forward to building upon Texas Children’s 70-year history of providing clinical excellence, teaching, and research to those we serve across the globe and leading us into the future.”
Wallace’s retirement comes during a challenging time for Texas Children’s Hospital, which announced a workforce reduction of 5 percent last month, affecting around 1,000 employees.