Michael Olmstead
VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Michael joined Buckner Retirement Services in January 2023 and brings more than 20 years of senior living experience to Buckner. He previously served as vice president of operations for Ascension Living where he led an operations team responsible for 34 communities in 11 states and Washington D.C.
In his role as vice president and chief operating officer, Michael will oversee operations of the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider. He will also ensure the creation and implementation of new processes and strategies supporting the organizational mission of Buckner.
In addition to his work experience, Michael holds a certificate in health ministry leadership from Aquinas Institute of Theology; nursing facility administrator license from McLennan Community College; Master of Science, Gerontology from Baylor University; nursing assistant certificate from McLennan Community College; and Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University.
In his role as vice president and chief operating officer, Michael will oversee operations of the faith-based, nonprofit senior living provider. He will also ensure the creation and implementation of new processes and strategies supporting the organizational mission of Buckner.
In addition to his work experience, Michael holds a certificate in health ministry leadership from Aquinas Institute of Theology; nursing facility administrator license from McLennan Community College; Master of Science, Gerontology from Baylor University; nursing assistant certificate from McLennan Community College; and Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University.
Stephanie Hesley, RN-BC, DNS-CT, RAC-CT, CDP, IP-BC
Sr. Director of Healthcare Services
Stephanie joined the Buckner Retirement Services team in 2023 as the Senior Director of Health Services after serving as the director of nursing at Westminster Place in Longview for more than 16 years. Stephanie is responsible for the oversight, management and leadership of skilled nursing services for all Buckner communities including the implementation of practices, policies and procedures to support regulatory compliance while pushing the organization's mission of serving seniors forward.
In addition to her role at Buckner, Stephanie serves on multiple industry advisory boards and committees including recently being appointed to The Department of State Health Services Antibiotic Stewardship Advisory Committee PHR 4/5N. Stephanie resides in Longview, Texas with her husband where they enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren in their free time.
In addition to her role at Buckner, Stephanie serves on multiple industry advisory boards and committees including recently being appointed to The Department of State Health Services Antibiotic Stewardship Advisory Committee PHR 4/5N. Stephanie resides in Longview, Texas with her husband where they enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren in their free time.
Chuck Childress
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Charles “Chuck” Childress was named director of business development for Buckner Retirement Services in 2023 providing strategic oversight of the organization’s growth. Chuck is a 20-year veteran of the senior living industry and began his career at Buckner Parkway Place in Houston for 11 years, where he served as executive director and then later served as executive director for Ventana by Buckner for two years.
Chuck also spent nine years with Methodist Retirement Communities, serving first as the executive director for MRC PineCrest in Lufkin, Texas and as Chief Operating Officer for the organization. He also spent a year and a half as the COO at Mueller Environmental Designs.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree in social work from Stephen F. Austin State University, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston and a Long-Term Care Administration Post Masters Certificate from University of Texas Health Science Center. He is also a licensed Nursing Facility Administrator and Master of Social Work.
Chuck also spent nine years with Methodist Retirement Communities, serving first as the executive director for MRC PineCrest in Lufkin, Texas and as Chief Operating Officer for the organization. He also spent a year and a half as the COO at Mueller Environmental Designs.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree in social work from Stephen F. Austin State University, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston and a Long-Term Care Administration Post Masters Certificate from University of Texas Health Science Center. He is also a licensed Nursing Facility Administrator and Master of Social Work.
Alyssa Adam
Senior Director of Sales
Alyssa Buckner Retirement Services in 2024 as Senior Director of Sales providing robust robust senior living marketing and sales leadership to the Buckner portfolio of communities. Prior to joining Buckner, Alyssa served as Chief Marketing Officer for The Legacy Senior Communities and held roles such as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Texas-based system provider, Methodist Retirement Communities; Marketing Regional Consultant for Asbury Communities, system provider in the North East; and Marketing Regional Consultant for Greystone Communities, working with communities across the country.
Throughout her career, Alyssa has supported more than 100 communities and has successfully opened dozens of start-ups and expansions. Known for her ability to unite teams and drive success through effective sales training and goal alignment, Alyssa also has a history of top performance in IT sales prior to working in senior living. She graduated from the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and completed work toward a master’s in project management. Alyssa is married to Ryan who owns/operates a CrossFit gym in Frisco, Texas and together they are raising five children: Roman, Reese, Ty, Janie, and Valor.
Throughout her career, Alyssa has supported more than 100 communities and has successfully opened dozens of start-ups and expansions. Known for her ability to unite teams and drive success through effective sales training and goal alignment, Alyssa also has a history of top performance in IT sales prior to working in senior living. She graduated from the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and completed work toward a master’s in project management. Alyssa is married to Ryan who owns/operates a CrossFit gym in Frisco, Texas and together they are raising five children: Roman, Reese, Ty, Janie, and Valor.
Kaley Lockaby
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Kaley stepped into the senior living industry by joining Buckner Retirement Services in July 2019 as director of marketing where she drives strategic brand marketing and lead generation initiatives, programs, and plans designed to support the organization’s continued growth and success.
Kaley brings more than a decade of sales and marketing experience to her current role and excels in business versatility, critical communication, executive coaching, and being a solution-oriented leader. In her previous roles, Kaley lead high-impact teams in multimillion-dollar event execution, content development, social and digital media, and corporate communications.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and is a member of LeadingAge Texas. Kaley resides in Gunter, Texas, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Nathan, and their two children.
Kaley brings more than a decade of sales and marketing experience to her current role and excels in business versatility, critical communication, executive coaching, and being a solution-oriented leader. In her previous roles, Kaley lead high-impact teams in multimillion-dollar event execution, content development, social and digital media, and corporate communications.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and is a member of LeadingAge Texas. Kaley resides in Gunter, Texas, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Nathan, and their two children.
Steven Bearden
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS
Steven joined the Buckner Retirement Services Team in 2022 as Director of Financial Planning & Analysis where he supports BRS communities by ensuring our continued strong financial health. Though new to the senior living industry, Steven’s prior experience includes nearly 15 years in various financial planning and analysis roles at a major airline. He also spent several years in wine-production operations at a number of wineries in California, Oregon, and New Zealand.
Steven earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Finance) from Texas A&M University. He resides in downtown Dallas, just a few short blocks away from Buckner’s corporate offices--allowing for a daily commute by foot. In his spare time, Steven loves exploring all that the city has to offer and is continuously on the lookout to find and try new restaurants! He also enjoys a nice New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or Napa Cabernet from time to time!
Steven earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Finance) from Texas A&M University. He resides in downtown Dallas, just a few short blocks away from Buckner’s corporate offices--allowing for a daily commute by foot. In his spare time, Steven loves exploring all that the city has to offer and is continuously on the lookout to find and try new restaurants! He also enjoys a nice New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or Napa Cabernet from time to time!
Kelly Stephens
SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Kelly Stephens was named Senior Human Resources Director for Buckner Retirement Services in July of 2023 where she assists community human resource leaders in the areas of engagement, retention, performance management, talent acquisition, talent development and total compensation. Kelly started her career with Buckner at Parkway Place in Houston serving as the human resource director where she brought her extensive experience in the retail and oil and gas industry to senior living.
Kelly is passionate about developing employees and leaders across the organization. She excels at coaching and mentoring others to improve professionally and personally and finds fulfillment in seeing others realize their potential.
Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in HR Leadership Development from Texas A&M University. She currently lives in Houston, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, working out and being active.
Kelly is passionate about developing employees and leaders across the organization. She excels at coaching and mentoring others to improve professionally and personally and finds fulfillment in seeing others realize their potential.
Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in HR Leadership Development from Texas A&M University. She currently lives in Houston, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, working out and being active.