Sukin leaves St. Luke's post to head new Houston Methodist hospital in The Woodlands

"Everyone who has watched me knows I love to build and develop," she said. "I have made a career from making something from nothing."

Although Sukin is looking forward to remaining within The Woodlands community, she said she is eager to play a larger role in the Houston Methodist system. Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist, said he is excited to welcome back Sukin to lead the development of the newly planned Woodlands location.

"We are so fortunate to have someone with [Sukin's] expertise and familiarity of The Woodlands [to] carry out our vision there," Boom said. "I am confident that Debbie is the right leader to bring our long history of leading medicine and excellent patient care to the residents of The Woodlands."

The Houston Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands is scheduled to break ground in early 2015 with an expected completion in 2017. Houston Methodist announced its plans to open the $328 million Woodlands satellite campus in late May. The hospital is a part of a $1 billion investment by the Houston Methodist system in the Houston area.

The 470,000 square-foot building will be situated at the intersection of Hwy. 242 and I-45. Construction will also include a 135,000 square foot medical office building slated for completion in late 2015.