Robbins brought in to provide leadership for the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider following resignation of longtime president, Charlie Wilson.
Buckner Retirement Services engaged Ken Robbins to serve as interim president, effective immediately. Robbins will help a transition in leadership as the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider seeks a replacement for Charlie Wilson following his resignation as president.
Wilson’s resignation is effective August 31, 2024, after serving with Buckner for 24 years.
“I am deeply grateful for Charlie Wilson’s service to Buckner for more than two decades,” said Jeff Gentry, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Buckner International, which operates Buckner Retirement Services. “I believe I speak for all Buckner employees when I say Charlie was a servant leader, exemplifying our mission, vision and values with a deep sense of responsibility and integrity.”
Over the next three weeks, Wilson will work closely with Robbins to bring him up to speed on the organization and the seven Buckner senior living communities it operates.
“We have a strong leadership team in place for Buckner Retirement Services,” said Gentry, “from our support leaders to our executive directors at each of our communities. Being able to quickly line up someone of Ken Robbins’ caliber and experience is an additional blessing that will ensure a seamless change.”
Gentry will oversee the search for Buckner Retirement Services’ next president.
As interim president, Robbins brings more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, faith-based senior living communities. He currently serves as the president and founder of Scott Senior Services, LLC, where he operates a consulting company specializing in development assistance, strategic planning, and operational support.
Most of Robbins’ career was spent working for Trinity Senior Living Communities in Michigan from 1998 until 2016, starting as a regional director and retiring as president and CEO.
“When speaking with Ken, I was impressed by his experience building trust with stakeholders to develop a vision focused on buy-in for the future,” said Gentry. “He is also skilled at working directly with boards to present organizational assessments and provide guidance on moving forward. These are definitely areas where we will lean on his extensive knowledge.”
Robbins holds a bachelor's degree in economics and a Master of Arts in public administration, both from Northern Michigan University. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as an air traffic control operator, supervisor and officer from 1981 to 1992.
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.
Contact:
Josué Lara
Public Relations Coordinator
Buckner International
jlara@buckner.org