Robbins returns to the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider where he served as vice president and COO from 2017 to 2022.
Buckner Retirement Services appointed Brian Robbins as president, effective Dec. 16. This will be Robbins second tenure with the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider, where he served as vice president and chief operating officer from 2017 to 2022. Robbins will report to Jeff Gentry, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Buckner International, which operates BRS.
“I am thrilled when former team members return to Buckner, as they bring valuable insights and experiences that enrich our mission,” said Gentry. “Brian was a vital part of our operations for five years, helping Buckner navigate the pandemic. He was able to gain additional experience outside of Buckner, which will be extremely valuable as he leads our senior living ministry toward future growth and expansion opportunities.”
Robbins is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in the senior living industry and a proud veteran with an additional decade of military service. During his Buckner tenure, Robbins led a number of strategic initiatives including the opening of Ventana by Buckner.
“It feels like I am coming home,” said Robbins. “Family, faith, service, and community are foundational elements in my life, and I appreciate how they are equally important for Buckner. I feel connected to the mission of Buckner and devoted to living its values each day in service of seniors and Buckner associates.”
For the past two years, Robbins served as the chief operating officer at LifeSpace Communities, leading teams across multiple Life-Plan Communities in multiple states. “I am extremely grateful for my time at LifeSpace where I served alongside incredible leaders and supported the residents and team members of some amazing senior living communities. I know they will continue to be in good hands.”
Prior to his career in senior living, Robbins served in the U.S. Navy, participating in pivotal operations such as Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom. “My time in the Navy instilled in me invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, adaptability, and teamwork, which continue to guide me in my professional and personal endeavors,” said Robbins.
Robbins holds a bachelor's degree and certificate in Leadership Studies from Fort Hays State University, along with a certificate in Long-Term Adult Care Administration from Cowley College. He also has a certificate in Human Dimensions of Organizations from The University of Texas at Austin, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate from Purdue University, and nursing home administrator licenses in Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. Robbins previously served on the board of directors for LeadingAge Texas, including as the chair of its public policy committee for more than 10 years, and volunteered with Honor Flight.
“Brian’s seasoned leadership, commitment to service, drive for excellence, and enduring focus on family, faith, service, and community position him for success as president of Buckner Retirement Services,” said Gentry.
Robbins will take over for Ken Robbins, who Buckner engaged to serve as interim president in August 2024 as the organization began its search for a new president. “Ken Robbins’ leadership and experience were vital in keeping operations running smoothly during this transition,” said Gentry. “All of us are thankful to him.”
This year, five Buckner senior living communities were recognized by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report for excellence in senior care. Those communities are Ventana by Buckner in Dallas, Buckner Parkway Place in Houston, Buckner Villas in Austin, Baptist Retirement Community in San Angelo, and Buckner Westminster Place in Longview.
In June of 2024, Buckner expanded by acquiring its seventh community, The Stayton at Museum Way by Buckner in Fort Worth, Texas.
About Buckner Retirement Services:
Buckner Retirement Services is one of the largest not-for-profit senior living providers in Texas. Dedicated to Inspiring happiness®, BRS enhances the quality of life for senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy Christian lifestyle while maintaining their independence and dignity. BRS is part of Buckner International, a faith-based ministry serving more than 350,000 people each year in Texas and six countries worldwide. Visit BucknerRetirement.org to learn more.
Information Contact:
Josué Lara, Public Relations Coordinator
Buckner International