Ventana by Buckner® Names Charles Childress Executive Director
July 3, 2019
DALLAS–Charles “Chuck” Childress was named executive director of Ventana by Buckner®, effective July 15. Childress, a 20-year veteran of the senior living industry, began his career at Buckner Parkway Place in Houston for 11 years, where he served as executive director. His experience and leadership are integral ahead of the opening of Dallas’ first and only luxury high-rise Life Care community.
“It feels like I’m coming back home after starting my career with Buckner Retirement Services and serving senior adults in Houston for 11 years,” said Childress. “I am looking forward to the mission and ministry of a faith-based group like Buckner.”
Following his work with Buckner, Childress spent nine years with Methodist Retirement Communities, serving first as the executive director for MRC PineCrest in Lufkin, TX, and more recently as Chief Operating Officer for the organization. Childress also branched out and worked as the COO at Mueller Environmental Designs the past year and a half.
Childress holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Master of Social Work from 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.
“I feel comfortable and confident leading a one-of-a-kind experience like Ventana because of where I come from,” added Childress. “I have continued to grow throughout my career, and the opportunities that presented themselves equipped me to join an amazing team and open this new community in Dallas.”
Childress’ appointment comes one month after the sudden passing of Ventana’s Executive Director Rick Pruett due to a heart attack.
“I was shocked and saddened to hear about Rick Pruett,” said Childress. “I had the privilege of knowing Rick professionally and was always deeply impressed by his reputation throughout the industry. I have a lot of respect for him and the excellent foundation he created for Ventana during his time with Buckner.
“I hope to continue building on the positivity he brought to the community and the team he assembled to serve our members – and I’m humbled to step into his shoes and carry out all that he envisioned.”
Buckner Retirement Services Senior Vice President Charlie Wilson stated, “There is no better person than Chuck Childress to lead our team through a tragic time and come out stronger on the other side. Chuck has all the attributes needed to hit the ground running and ensure Ventana opens and operates with the elite level of service our members deserve.”
Ventana’s adjacent 12-story towers will house 189 independent apartment homes, including one-, two- and three-bedroom options and ranging from 950 to 2,000 square feet. Ventana also includes the full continuum of care for senior adults with assisted living, nursing care, memory care and a rehabilitation component.
The community will also include underground parking, spacious common areas, modern wellness and fitness centers, heated indoor pool, salon and spa, movie theater, rooftop garden, multiple patios and more.
Buckner Retirement Services, Inc. is one of the largest not-for-profit senior living organizations in Texas dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy Christian lifestyle while maintaining their independence and dignity. Buckner Retirement Services is part of Buckner International, a global faith-based ministry serving more than 350,000 people each year in Texas and six countries worldwide.