Meet the Team

Brian returned to Buckner Retirement Services in 2024 as President, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. Previously, he served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of BRS from 2017 to 2022, before taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Lifespace Communities. In his current position, Brian provides strategic leadership, driving the success of BRS communities while fostering the growth of the organization’s mission.

Brian brings a wealth of experience to Buckner, having previously served as Director of Operations at Life Care Services. A proud Navy veteran, he is a seasoned leader with expertise in strategic planning, operational excellence, business growth, and multi-site management. His background includes overseeing the start-up, repositioning, and operational improvement of numerous Life Plan Communities across multiple states. Brian has played a pivotal role in opening new communities, leading community repositioning efforts, and driving refinancing initiatives. With a deep passion for serving "the greatest generation," Brian is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through his work.

"Family, faith, service, and community are core values in my life, and I’m grateful to see how they align with the mission of Buckner. I am deeply connected to Buckner’s mission and dedicated to living its values every day in service to our seniors and associates."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!