Earlier this year, President and CEO Mark A. Wallace announced the start of a search process for the next President of Texas Children’s. The Board of Trustees appointed a search committee and engaged a top-tier firm to help us carefully select the right leader to guide Texas Children’s through this next chapter. Today, we are thrilled to share the appointment of Debra Feigin Sukin, PhD, as our next President!
“We set out to fill this role with the best person for the job – one who was thoughtful, strategic and experienced but who also understands Texas Children’s and deeply appreciates the culture we have built and created together,” said Mr. Wallace in an email to the organization. “As you know, I’m a big believer in destiny, but I could never have predicted the power of destiny in this process.”
Sukin currently serves at Houston Methodist as an Executive Vice President with responsibility for four Houston Methodist hospitals and is the Chief Executive Officer of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, in addition to system responsibilities leading Neurosciences and the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart Center. Before joining Houston Methodist, she was the Senior Vice President of St. Luke’s Health System in the Texas Medical Center.
“Not only does Debbie have the necessary health care leadership experience, but she has lived and breathed Texas Children’s her entire life,” Mr. Wallace added. “Both of her parents worked at Texas Children’s, and she also began volunteering at Texas Children’s at age 16. As a parent of two boys with special needs, she has spent the last two decades experiencing the world-class care, clinical research, empathy and heart of Texas Children’s.”
You might recognize Sukin’s surname – she is daughter of the late Dr. Ralph Feigin, renowned pediatrician and Texas Children’s Physician-in-Chief for more than 31 years. Her mother, Dr. Judith Feigin, worked here in pediatric education and training. Sukin was also involved in the opening of Texas Children’s Angelman Syndrome Clinic, a cause and rare genetic condition close to her heart and family.
“I am truly honored and excited to serve as the new President of Texas Children’s,” said Sukin. “Texas Children’s has always been a profoundly special place to me, and I’m humbled to have this opportunity. This is an amazing organization and I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty and staff throughout the system and leading the next evolution of Texas Children’s. Mark has been a mentor and friend for many decades and I feel especially fortunate to serve under him as he continues on as CEO. I truly cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together as a team in the months and years to come.”
Sukin will join Texas Children’s on Jan. 8, 2024. Please join us in welcoming her with open arms and our signature Texas Children’s hospitality!
Click here to learn more about this historic appointment for Texas Children’s.