(LUBBOCK, Texas) — Tommy Speed has returned to Lubbock as the new administrator for Buckner Children and Family Services.

Speed formerly served as the director/team leader for Buckner Children’s Home before moving to New Mexico to spearhead development of church and community ministry for Buckner last summer. Prior to that, Speed served as the executive director and administrator of the Rio Grande Children’s Home in Mission, Texas and has worked in child care for more than 28 years.

“It feels so good to be coming home to Lubbock,” Speed said. “I’m thankful to be a part of an organization that does whatever it can to make a difference in the lives of children and families. I really look forward to working with old co-workers again and meeting new challenges.”

Speed’s primary objectives will be to oversee foster care services in Lubbock, Midland and Amarillo, the foster group homes on campus. He will also supervise the operations of My Father’s House Lubbock, a self-sufficiency program for single mothers, and Buckner’s collaboration with First Baptist Church.

Buckner Director of Campus and Family Ministries JoAnn Cole said Speed was the natural choice for this position because of his previous experience, relationship-oriented leadership style and caring heart.

“There couldn’t be anyone more qualified to lead Buckner programs in West Texas than Tommy,” Cole said. “His years of experience with Buckner and as a licensed child care administrator have prepared him for this position and will help him lead our ministry to at-risk children and families as it continues to grow.”

Buckner has been serving children and families in the Lubbock community since 1957. For more information on Buckner in Lubbock, call 806-795-7151 or visit www.buckner.org.