DALLAS (Jan. 12, 2023) – Charlie Wilson, president of Buckner Retirement Services has named Michael Olmstead as vice president and chief operating officer for BRS effective immediately. In his new role, Olmstead 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.
“I am excited to join an organization with the rich heritage of Buckner,” Olmstead said. “I’ve always worked within nonprofit, faith-based communities with a strong mission, and joining Buckner allows me to continue to work for a ministry that aligns with my personal values.”
Olmstead brings 21 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.
“Michael is an outstanding leader who brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and skill to his role with Buckner,” Wilson said. “We are pleased to have him taking the operational reins in the new year.”
In addition to his work experience, Olmstead 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.
“Growing up I was blessed with wonderful relationships with my grandparents, great-grandparents, and many great aunts and uncles,” Olmstead shared. “These family relationships, combined with my study of gerontology, set the stage for my career serving senior adults, and it’s why I’m passionate about building and supporting teams to provide amazing care and services to seniors.”
Olmstead takes over for Brian Robbins, who served as a key leader for Buckner Retirement Services the past six years.
Buckner is making two additional leadership moves to provide greater strategic support for its six senior living communities across Texas. Abraham Mathew, the executive director of Buckner senior living community Parkway Place in Houston, will serve as director of operations for Buckner Retirement Services. Mathew takes over for Chuck Childress, who transitions to director of business development.
“These positional changes make our Buckner leadership team even stronger and better able to support our communities, associates and residents, and position BRS for future growth,” Wilson said. “Abraham brings a lot of passion and energy to his new role working directly with the community executive directors, and Chuck will work closely with me as we grow our ministry through new development, acquisitions and new lines of business serving seniors.”
Mathew and Childress began their new roles Jan. 1, 2023, with Mathew reporting to Olmstead and Childress reporting to Wilson.
In 2022, Great Place to Work® ranked Buckner Retirement Services as the #9 small and medium-sized senior living and care employer on the 2022 Fortune Best Workplaces in Aging Services™ national list. This is the fourth year in a row Buckner was on the list. To learn more about employment with Buckner, visit Buckner.org/careers.
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About Buckner Retirement Services, Inc.:
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.