DALLAS – JoAnn Cole, a veteran staff member of Buckner International, has been named by Albert Reyes to lead Buckner Adoption and Maternity Services effective Sept. 15.

In naming Cole as vice president of BAMS, Reyes, president/CEO of Buckner, said Cole brings a “vast understanding and knowledge about child care and a passion to find permanency for the children Buckner serves.” Cole assumes her new role after serving for three years as vice president of Buckner Children and Family Services.

Reyes said Cole’s appointment signifies a “renewed and rejuvenated commitment by Buckner to finding forever families for the children we serve. JoAnn’s extraordinary understanding of what is best for these children makes her the best person to lead us,” Reyes added.

In her new role, Cole will focus on four primary areas: international adoption services; global in-country adoptions and permanency services; domestic adoption services and all Buckner foster care programs; and post-adoption services. Buckner’s foster care programs are partially funded by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Reyes said Buckner’s goal is finding permanent solutions for vulnerable children the agency serves. “Finding families for children is the most life-changing, transformational ministry we have at Buckner,” he said.

While Buckner has operated a full-service adoption agency as part of its ministry for more than 60 years, adoption has been part of Buckner since its founding in 1879, Reyes pointed out. In recent years, with declines in infant domestic adoption programs nationwide, Buckner turned to international adoption. Today, Buckner’s fastest growing adoption program is placing children with families through foster-to-adopt and Waiting Texas Children programs.

“Adoption ministry is a vital part of the DNA of Buckner,” Cole said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to expand and grow this critical area of work to serve even more children.”

“Having someone with JoAnn’s reputation and stature lead this program signifies our commitment to adoption as a vital ministry of Buckner International,” Reyes said.

Henry Jackson, a 25-year staff member who is area vice president for Buckner Children and Family Services will serve as the interim vice president for BCFS .