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Dr. Albert L. Reyes celebrates 15 years of leadership with Buckner International

Leading through changing directions, forging new paths and planning a future of continued impact

Today, Buckner International celebrates the 15th anniversary of electing Dr. Albert L. Reyes as its sixth president.  He follows five others in the history of our 146-year ministry that continues to impact people of all ages. 

A ministry full of the right people and the right resources to fulfill a mission

Reflecting on the past 15 years, Reyes shares his surprise at how the Lord has provided for the ministry with the right leaders, the right people and the right resources to help Buckner accomplish its mission, as well as explore new opportunities to serve vulnerable children, families and seniors. 

Buckner leadership“I have been blessed with trustees who’ve been willing to follow my lead and help me to continue guiding our ministry, and for the gift of incredibly talented executive leaders who have also willingly agreed to follow my leadership while they provide leadership for this ministry,” Reyes said. 

“And our best talent is also found in the ranks of Buckner staff at every location where we provide services and at the Support Center where teams of staff provide the background support for those who deliver services at the front lines every day.”

Leadership and frontline staff display their strength and dedication to the ministry often. Reyes said their commitment to the ministry was on full display throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“There was an all-hands-on-deck approach from Buckner leaders, the Board of Trustees and team members to stabilize our ministry through this time,” he shared. “We worked together to prioritize the health and wellness of all involved, both in Texas and in our international programs.”

Charting a path of growth and impact

Ribbon cutting in Houston, Texas

While Reyes has been a part of Buckner leadership since 2010, he has seen exceptional growth and expansion in just the last five years, including:

  • Within Buckner Children and Family Services, Buckner opened Buckner Family Hope Center® programs in Midland, Donna and San Antonio; as well as unveiled the Northside Houston campus for Buckner Children and Family Services with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and back-to-school event. The Buckner NextStep program in Dallas campus is expanding its capacity to serve young women pursuing educational or career goals. 
  • Buckner also launched new programs and services to help vulnerable children and strengthen families: the College and Career Program for youth at Family Hope Centers and the addition of Thriving Texas Families and Fatherhood EFFECT programs.
  • The Stayton at Museum Way by Buckner in Fort Worth joined Buckner Retirement Services and will continue to be a place where seniors thrive and find inspiration. 
  • The continued support of Buckner friends and donors to keep the many Buckner ministries thriving, expanding and serving those in need.

One of the guiding principles Reyes has used over the past 15 years is the STARS model from “The First 90 Days” by Dr. Michael Watkins. Using the STARS model, Watkins describes organizational scenarios: Start Up, Turnaround, Accelerated Growth, Realignment and Sustaining Success.

Reyes said Buckner has moved from sustaining success to realignment in the last 18 years and is now poised for accelerated growth. The ministry spent most of 2024, and now 2025, preparing for and discussing what this growth would look like moving forward. 

Each of these phases requires a different type of leadership, not just from Reyes but also from Buckner leaders. Over the course of Reyes’ leadership, he’s seen how leading a complex organization like Buckner requires flexibility and adaptability.

“Leading Buckner requires ample time to change directions, to set new directions and to plan a future we can execute with excellence.”

“In the next five years, I would hope we’re reflecting on the incredible growth and expansion we have seen,” he shared. “We are already beginning to see evidence of this new phase at Buckner now.”

Leadership inspired by God's hand

Reyes felt called to serve the Lord at just 15 years old. Serving as the sixth president and CEO of Buckner International surpasses anything he could’ve imagined. 

Fulfilling a calling“I can see how the hand of the Lord prepared me in business, both family and corporate settings, in pastoral ministry, in military chaplaincy and in higher education leadership at Baptist University of the Americas, and at Buckner, and laid the foundation for what I do today,” Reyes shared.

“Leading Buckner today is the best use of my skills, experiences and background for God’s Kingdom as I offer my best service to him. The work is heavy, the challenges are great and the opportunities are even greater for us to bring the Kingdom close to vulnerable children, families and seniors,” he continued.

“It is a delight to serve here, shine hope every day and to serve children, families and seniors well.”

*Dr. Reyes became president of Buckner International in 2010. In 2012, he also became CEO following the retirement of Dr. Ken Hall. Today, Reyes only uses the title of CEO.

Comments

Gaylon Brown says:
Congrats Albert and so enjoy all of your accomplishments and proud to call you a friend. Gaylon

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