DALLAS (ABP) — Leaders of the Texas-based Baptist social-services agency Buckner International announced Jan. 22 that they had elected Albert Reyes to become the sixth president in Buckner’s 131-year history.
Reyes has directed the agency’s flagship division, Buckner Child and Family Services, since 2007. He replaces Ken Hall in a planned transition. Hall will assume the title of chief executive officer for Buckner, but Reyes will report directly to the organization’s board of trustees. He is the first non-Anglo to serve as Buckner’s president since it was founded in 1879.
Albert Reyes (Buckner photo)
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“Dr. Reyes brings the perfect mix of vision, passion and intellect to the task, especially at this point in the history of Buckner,” said board chairman Scott McIlveene, according to a press release. “We are uniquely poised as a ministry to move forward like never before, thanks to tremendous work of Buckner’s previous five presidents.”
Reyes said he understands “that with such a great honor come great challenges and opportunities.” He added: “The orphans, vulnerable children, families and elders served by Buckner depend on us to make their lives better.”
He will administer Buckner’s nearly $100-million annual budget, while overseeing the daily operations of more than 1,300 employees worldwide. Those operations include work through Buckner Children and Family Services’ domestic and international programs and Buckner Retirement Services’ seven elder-care communities in Texas.
Hall became president of Buckner in 1993. During his tenure, he significantly expanded the organization’s commitment to orphan care, foster care and adoption services in some of the world’s neediest places. In his new role, Hall will work closely with Buckner’s major donors and foundation in fundraising work.
Reyes, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, is a graduate of Angelo State University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Andrews University. He holds both a doctor-of-ministry degree and a Ph.D.
Prior to coming to Buckner he was president of Baptist University of the Americas, a Hispanic-focused Bible school and seminary in San Antonio. He also has served as pastor of churches in Dallas and El Paso.
Reyes and his wife, Belinda, have three sons. They are members of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas.
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