Reyes’ appointment to the new position was made by Buckner president and CEO Ken Hall, who called the selection of Reyes “one of the most strategic and vital decisions” in the 127-year history of Buckner.
“Dr. Reyes brings a deep understanding of the needs facing millions of orphans and at-risk children around the world,” Hall said. “These are people God is calling Buckner to reach in the name of Jesus Christ.
“Buckner is breaking down traditional geographic and demographic borders that have defined our ministry primarily in Texas for more than 100 years,” Hall added. “Albert Reyes is going to lead us to expand our ministry to needy children and families throughout the United States and in even more countries than we currently serve.”
As president of Buckner Children and Family Services, Reyes will oversee all of the organization’s ministries in the United States and internationally. Hall continues in his role as president and CEO of the overall ministries of Buckner, including its retirement services division. As part of the re-organization of Buckner, international ministries formerly run as part of Buckner Orphan Care International have been combined with domestic programs and Buckner Orphan Care International will no longer exist as a separate organization.
Buckner Children and Family Services serves more than 120,000 orphans and at-risk children worldwide each year with an annual operating budget of more than $27 million. In addition, more than 4,000 volunteers serve in short-term missions around the world with Buckner annually.
Under its new structure, Buckner will emphasize an expanded missions program and seek to partner more churches throughout the country and internationally.
Reyes joins Buckner from BUA, where he led the university through dramatic change in its name and structure. Formerly known as the Hispanic Baptist Theological School, Reyes has guided BUA to a 400 percent increase in enrollment since taking over as president in 1999.
Under his leadership, the university achieved a Certificate of Authority from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, allowing the school to grant bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. BUA also attained its first-ever initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the Association of Biblical Higher Education in 2003.
Reyes guided the university to launch a multi-million dollar fund-raising campaign, setting the stage for the construction of an entirely new campus on 78 acres near the university’s current location in San Antonio. Since Reyes became president in 1999, the school’s annual operating budget has increased from $700,000 to more than $3.2 million.
“Buckner has positioned itself as a premier missions organization by engaging the missions passion of Baptist congregations across Texas and the United States,” Reyes said. “Buckner is perceived as an organization on mission with a focus on incarnational ministry to the vulnerable, the abused, the unwanted and the people most in need.
“I believe Buckner’s mission resonates with churches and leaders primarily due to the fusion of ministry and mission.”
Reyes added that while it is difficult for him to leave BUA “where I have had an extraordinary experience, Buckner will need BUA to continue developing cross-cultural leaders for social ministry in Texas, the United States and the world. I will continue supporting BUA in their future successes.”
In addition to serving as president of BUA, Reyes is past president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He has served in numerous roles with the BGCT and with Baptist-related organizations. He holds the Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management from Angelo State University; and the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Andrews University.
Reyes and his wife Belinda have three children.
