35 Glorious Years of Leadership

September 12, 2024 | (57) Comments

This message to you is likely going to be the most special and, in many ways, bittersweet communication I’ve ever shared with you. Each and every one of you knows just how much I love Texas Children’s and value all of our people. I’ve lived and breathed Texas Children’s for over three decades and even before I was appointed President & CEO in 1989, I had a longstanding connection to this incredible organization. Some may call it a coincidence, but I believe this wonderful place was my divine destiny.

I have always known that I was meant to be at Texas Children’s — to watch it grow from one building to many and to lead our One Amazing Team through triumphs and tribulations. When I began my journey, we had 1,400 employees and today we are more than 20,000 strong. How amazing! There is no doubt in my mind that I was destined to spend my life at this phenomenal, beautiful and one-of-a-kind organization.

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. I knew back then that my final chapter was beginning and I’m so happy with how everything has fallen into place. And as it always does, destiny continues to guide the way.

As many of you know, my first day at Texas Children’s was October 4, 1989, and today I’m announcing that my last day will be on October 4, 2024. I can’t think of any better way to celebrate my 35th anniversary than to mark another important milestone on the day that started it all.

My heart is and will forever remain deeply tied to Texas Children’s, the amazing work we do, and the remarkable people I’ve met along the way. I am so proud of what we have built together — a place where patients and families receive not only world-class care but also genuine compassion and support. Each of you contributes to this every single day, and I am endlessly grateful for that.

I also want to take a moment to thank the Texas Children’s Board of Trustees for their support, advocacy, encouragement and faith in me for these past three decades — it has truly been an honor to serve under their leadership.

Throughout my thirty-five-year history, I’ve witnessed countless moments of strength, teamwork and resilience. I’ve seen miracles occur and extraordinary breakthroughs take place — we have celebrated achievements, faced challenges and always emerged stronger, together.

I will fondly carry with me all the memories of our shared successes and the warmth of the incredible relationships I’ve built here. Twenty-three years ago, I met my beautiful wife, Shannon, here at Texas Children’s and I can’t begin to count the thousands of heartwarming interactions and experiences I’ve had here that have shaped my character, compassion and outlook on life. Every moment at Texas Children’s has made me who I am today and for that, I am eternally thankful.

As I embark on my next chapter — one filled with more time with Shannon and my family, friends and perhaps even a few new adventures — I leave with a full heart and deep appreciation for each and every one of you. I know that Texas Children’s will only get better and better in the years to come and I will always be cheering you on from wherever life takes me.

I leave you in the best of hands with Debbie Sukin who is fully supported by the executive and medical staff leadership teams. I’ve said before that Debbie coming to Texas Children’s was also meant to be and I am confident that she will continue to lead, exemplify and build upon the core values Texas Children’s has always been known for.

To my One Amazing Team, thank you for the immense honor of leading this exceptional organization for 35 glorious years. Texas Children’s and all of you have truly filled my life with joy. Together, we have made a real difference in the lives of countless patients and families, and I am beyond blessed and fortunate to have worked alongside all of you.

In the coming years, I know that you will continue to innovate, heal, inspire and lead because that’s who you are. As I like to say, everyone is a leader! Please keep up the amazing work, and know that all of you and Texas Children’s will forever be in my heart.

For the last time as your CEO —

All my best,

57 Responses to “35 Glorious Years of Leadership”

    • Angel Johnson

      Mark, I worked under your leadership for 21 years as the administrator in Pediatric Anesthesiology and felt I could not have been in a more first class organization lead by you. My granddaughter shadowed a group of ER doctors at TCH while she was in high school. She graduated from Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing in May and is working in the ER at Scott White Marble Falls all due to her experience at TCH. Thank you for providing a top notch children’s hospital for our city and the world. Most sincerely, Angel Johnson

  1. Suzanne Iniguez

    You leave some very big shoes for Debbie to fill – you have been the heart of this organization for a long time. Wishing you all the best as you continue on with new chapters and adventures to have.
    Thank you for your service to TCH, you will be fondly remembered for a long time.

    Now who is going to buy lunch for staff in the Pavilion Bistro and take some selfies with them?

    Who is going to be walking the halls and with a booming voice wish folks ‘Good Morning/Afternoon’ and ‘can I help you with anything?’

    Mark – Thank you for taking us all along on the TCH ride/growth as someone who has been here longer than you it has been great!

    Suzanne

  2. Irma Vargas-Stichter

    We knew this day would come – but it came too soon for us! We will miss seeing your cheerful face and that million dollar smile!
    Good luck with your new chapter, take it easy – you deserve it!

    Irma Vargas-Stichter

  3. Dianne Woodard

    I’m really going to miss you” “We’ve shared so many great times, and those memories will always hold a special place in my heart.”
    “I’m excited for you and this new chapter in your life.
    “It’s hard to say goodbye, but I’m so glad to have had you in my life. Bless You Mr. Wallace

  4. Jennifer Jarrard

    So sad to see you go, but also so grateful to have had your leadership! I have been here for 22 years and always felt like you had our back and would do the right thing for us and all of our patients and families. Thank you so much for all the wonderful years you gave us.
    Good luck with your next adventure!

  5. Esthela Ramirez

    Over the last almost 21 years of being here at TCH, I can remember the times you and your beautiful wife come by to thank us for riding out a hurricane (Rita). I also remember the many times you stood at our front door of West Tower (at end of our shift) and shook our hands and thanked us for a great job done during our day. Then as a CPhT, now as a nurse, and soon as an NP. Thank you for your passion to our patients and to us, your team. Your emphasis on education has definitely made a difference in my life. Wish you the very best in this next chapter!

  6. Novelva Brown

    My heart is full. Thank you, Sir, for your unwavering leadership and guidance. You have made an impact on my life in the best way possible and for that I’m truly grateful. You will truly be missed and just know that you have made a positive impact on many lives. Enjoy the next phase of your life and I wish nothing but pure bliss for you and your loved ones. Take care you great leader!!

  7. Selfishly, my heart is a little broken, but it’s also filled with joy for you and your family. For the last 29 years, I have been so proud to have you as my CEO. I trust and believe that you have made decisions that will ensure TCH continues to thrive for years to come. All the best to you, Shannon and the family.

  8. Jesus Chavez Jr.

    Mr. Wallace, thank you for your outstanding and unwavering support and leadership throughout the years. I will always remember you greeting employees as they were coming off the Metro rail and walking into West Tower and Aber. Seeing your smile, shaking our hands and greeting us to work was the most down to earth action I have ever witnessed from a CEO/President. You will be dearly missed however there is no doubt you left your Mark on the organization. Enjoy retirement and may God bless you and your family.

    Sincerely,
    Jesus Chavez Jr.

  9. Angeline jolee Ortiz

    I remember that one afternoon while on the Pavilion elevator I walked in and as the elevator door was about to close, I held the door open, and Mark Wallace walked in.
    I was so memorized didn’t know what to say, I put my head down while he reached over and pressed the button. He said in a very soft voice ” I bet you never thought you would be riding the same elevator with Mark Wallace, did you?” I looked up at him and smiled as the elevator door open and I walked out. Sill feeling shocked and wondering why I didn’t shake his hand or looked and introduced myself. I just want to say that I am sorry for that awkward first-time meeting. Wishing you the very best in you new adventure!

    Kind regards,
    Angeline

  10. Michelle Lawson

    Mr. Wallace,
    I am so grateful for your steadfast support of all of our employees and your efforts to make personal connections with us throughout the years. I know many of us have stories of greeting you both inside and outside of the hospital and you have always stopped to make time for us. Your empowerment of all of us has enabled us to do the right things for patients and families time after time. I am thankful for the opportunity to help make the Texas Children’s mission and vision a reality to have great outcomes for patients. My very best wishes for you and your family as you start this new chapter!

  11. Ann McClarney

    Wow Mr. Wallace this is bettersweet. I have enjoyed working at Texas Children’s under your leadership for the past 13 years. Your 35 years is a testament to your passion for Texas Children’s. You are an amazing leader giving everyone the opportunity to move out of their comfort zone and move forward making TCH better each day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart it has been an incredible learning experience for me.

    Wish you and Shannon a very happy retirement.

  12. Tuba Alpat

    Dear Mr. Wallace,
    In just 2 years at Texas Children’s, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing your incredible dedication, compassion, and caring nature. I am genuinely grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve as the first workforce chaplain. Your vision and leadership have made this possible. How can I ever forget when there was a huge earthquake in my birth country that you, CEO of Texas Children’s, consoled me! I can’t express how much honored when I was the only one to share the stage with you within my first few months, where I was in a role to comfort our staff, you were the one comforting and empowering me! These examples might be one drop out of what you have done for thousands over the last 35 years but a great picture of who you are for me! I will miss you! Thank you for all your service! May your next chapter be filled with joy!

  13. Angelica R Flores

    I felt this was coming soon, but we appreciate all your hard work and dedication. I can only wish you Mr. Wallace the best in life! I appreciate you for making me feel like you cared for the employees when you replied to my email. Thank you for treating all of us as your equals despite being our Ceo. May God bless you and your family. You will truly be missed!

  14. Eva Alcorn

    Your love and concern for the employees of Texas Children’s will be missed. Your southern and genuine hospitality, towards all those you meet, will be missed.

    There is so much we have learned from you and the gift of you will continue to spread for yearsssss to come.

    Thank you for serving, in excellence, for the last 35 years. Enjoy this next season in your life with family, children, grandchildren and loved ones.

    You have been a gift to all of us at Texas Children’s and many worldwide. I pray that life will continue to gift you with good health, good wealth and perfect peace.

    Forever with us

  15. Delmis Garcia

    Thank you for leading by example and always motiving us to do our best in everything. You have done a wonderful job at inspiring the people of Texas Children’s. My favorite memory, is the day you surprise visited us at TCUC EAST. Farewell and God bless you on the next chapter

  16. Sherry Hyson

    Thank you so much for showing me what a LEADER and True Leader should look like. I truly miss seeing you face and experiencing you energy on the bridge. I miss you already. Take real good care of yourself and enjoy your journey and know you served well.

    P.S. I am so happy I got the opportunity to take a photo with you during your birthday.

  17. Emily Klein

    Thank you for 35 years of leadership and service to the patients and families of Texas Children’s Hospital. Working here has always been one of the bright spots in my life. Wishing you and Shannon the very best in your retirement.

  18. Adrian McKinney

    Mr. Wallace, your departure is so bittersweet. On one hand, I am sure we are all so excited for the new chapter and well-deserved transition you embark upon, and on the other hand, a new chapter for all of us without you. I started at Texas Children’s just 10 short months after you, when there was only one building to the TCH name and have literally grown up with you as the face of Texas Children’s.

    I have always loved your energy, charisma, firm leadership values and principles. From the old days of Leadership Forum, Stress Busts and Bad Pants Golf Tournaments, moving to new buildings and Employee Recognition events, you leave a lot of great memories and a lasting legacy behind. Congratulations on your retirement! You will be missed.

  19. David Perryman

    Ten years ago when researching whether of not to come to Texas Children’s, I found and watched Mark’s Leadership Maxim presentations. They were compelling, and during my tenure, #8 became one of my favorites. Congratulations on skating toward your family, friends and new adventures! You are the Great One in pediatric healthcare! Thank you for your leadership, and Godspeed.

  20. Cassidy Penn

    Texas Children’s without Mark Wallace will seem so strange. But I know you are leaving us and the organization in the very best of hands with people who share the vision that has allowed you to build Texas Children’s to what we have today. I wish you all the best in your next adventures and hope you come to visit us often. You will be missed!

  21. Crystal Sallans

    It is a bittersweet moment! Congratulations on your retirement! We will miss you here. You have been an amazing leader to Texas Children’s. Your passion to our mission is felt in every area of this system. Well wishes in this next phase.

  22. Jeanette McMullen

    I know you will always remember me as a COVID nurse. Thank you for leading us through those COVID years. I was so happy when you started having office hours up here in The Woods every once in a while. I look forward to seeing you outside these TCH walls either golfing on the courses in The Woodlands, taking in the fine arts at The Pavilion, or shopping at the corner store for groceries. There is so much more left for you to do in this community… just now more on your own time. Congratulations on your next chapter in life…. Thank you for leaving us in good hands with Debbie.

  23. Renee Williams

    Mr. Wallace it has been a please to work with you! I am so grateful I was able to be part of the expansion projects that brought your vision to reality. Enjoy the next chapter with your family and friends. I wish you the best!

  24. Alma P Martinez

    This is definitely the end of an ERA; Texas Children’s will not be the same. Thank you for your tireless and compassionate leadership for almost the last 32 years for me. I will miss your bubbly personality and smile as you walked and greeted everyone along the way at TCH. I wish you ALL the best to you, Shannon and your family. “Hasta luego!”

    Alma

  25. Vickie Broussard

    I still remember the day it was announced that you were coming to TCH. This place was lifted in joy and anticipation as your leadership style preceded you. Well . . . YOU LIVED UP TO THE HYPE AND MORE!!!
    Like a favorite movie where you can’t picture any other actor playing the part — that’s you!
    THANK YOU for all you have given with passion and heart!
    I am proud to have spent the majority of my working years under your guidance.
    You have been the catalyst in making this much more than just a place to work.
    With gratitude—Blessings and Grace for your new chapter.

  26. Peter Hotez

    What an incredible legacy – transforming Texas Children’s Hospital into America’s largest and most vital institution for the care of children, and the treatment and prevention of pediatric illnesses globally

  27. Mr. Wallace, way back when your office was in Abercrombie, I would often see you walking along the hallways. You would be smiling and saying hello to people and knowing each of their names. Anyone could tell your smiles and welcoming manner were genuine and heartfelt, and they still are because that’s truly you. Because of your example, you created a welcoming, caring atmosphere for patients and their families, employees, and all of us volunteers.
    Thank you for all you’ve done in your 35 years. From the many individual expansions negotiated by you and the hiring of key medical people, you’ve made TCH what it is today, and the caring atmosphere is still there. That is one of the reasons I and so many others continue to volunteer at TCH, The atmosphere, the patients and their families, and the staff.

  28. Edwin Nwamadu

    Congratulations on your Retirement Mr. Wallace. I have not been here for too long, but your leadership style is impeccable. You have so much to your credit in terms of milestones and achievements. You have taken many giant strides in the course of your reign. You will be missed by everyone, but we wish you all the best in your next chapter. God bless and keep you in good health and sound mind as you age with grace.

  29. Jewel Mitchell

    Congratulations on your retirement. It is well deserved. We have come a long way from one building. I could walk a PO to you, get it initialed and then have the CIO sign it, equipment was here in two weeks. You have been an inspiration in camaraderie and making this hospital a family as well as leading the charge to become the largest children’s hospital in the country. You always had the time to speak and use my name. I am still dedicated to this hospital and love working here. Thank you for the years of commitment and all the energy. You have kept us supercharged and committed. Enjoy your Retirment.

  30. April Rangel

    Congratulations on 35 amazing years Mr. Wallace. It has been an honor to work with you for the past 27 years from 2002 & 2009 expansion projects, Stress Bust events, JDFR fund raiser, Employee Recognition events just to name a few. You will truly be missed and just know that you have made a positive impact on many lives here at TCH. Wishing you and Shannon the best. Happy retirement!!!!

  31. Sharon Thompson

    Mr. Wallace, way back when your office was in Abercrombie I would often see you walking the halls. You would know the name of every employee you met, and you were always smiling.
    Even as TCH grew, we knew you would never lose your outgoing, welcoming, encouraging manner because that’s who you are.
    We volunteers have always felt that same warmth and caring. Thank you for the years you’ve dedicated to TCH.

  32. Mark A Wallace

    I want to thank all of you for the beautiful words/comments. Today is October 4 and a day to celebrate 35 glorious years together.

    We are #OneAmazingTeam!

    Best always,
    Mark A. Wallace

  33. Maria G. Aaly,

    Mr. Wallace,
    Thank you so much for 35 years of great leadership!!! You were a great leader, made us feel part of the team, like a family. It is an honor to work for TCH, almost 45 years for me. You made all the difference when you came in. You touched our lives and a ripple effect on many little patients and more. We wish you well, stay blessed and dont forget to come back and visit sometime.
    Maria Aaly, RN, BSN

  34. Shannon McCord

    Mark,
    I was hired in September 1991, not long after you became President and CEO. I have had the distinct privilege to work with you on almost every strategic initiative you have envisioned from opening the West Tower, to building the West Campus, PFW, The Woodlands, and Austin. Your vision and leadership in collaboration with our talented employees and providers transformed Texas Children’s Hospital into a world class healthcare system we have today. What an amazing legacy! Best wishes for a well deserved, and joyful retirement!
    Shannon McCord

  35. Doris Blocker

    Mr. Wallace it is with sincere honor that I acclaim words written by the Apostle Paul to fit this auspicious moment in your retirement.
    “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!” 2 Timothy 4:7.
    May GOD’s eternal blessings surround and enfold you and your wife: may the overflow continue in abundantly in your new future!
    My thanks to GOD Almighty for allowing you the privilege these 35 years to serve sick children and their families here and abroad!

  36. Sangita Bhavsar

    Mr. Wallace,

    Wishing you a retirement filled with relaxation, happiness, and the fulfillment of all your dreams. Sir, as you embark on this new journey called retirement, may you find joy in every moment and peace in every step. Your leadership has been a guiding light, and your presence will be greatly missed.

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