Meet the leaders making excellence the standard
PHILIP JACOB
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Philip Jacob joined the Buckingham as Health Care Administrator in 2011, bringing several years of experience from SavaSeniorCare Houston properties. Under his tenure, The Plaza has maintained some of the highest clinical outcomes in the city and received deficiency free surveys in 2015 and 2017. Also in 2017, Philip led the team to the AHCA/NCAL Bronze Commitment to Quality Award based on the Baldrige Health Care Criteria for Performance Excellence. Philip credits a focus on employee retention and continuity of care for residents as keys to success. Phil has an extensive background in hospitality management, starting his career in Hotel Management in Toronto, Canada. He relocated to Houston in 2002 to join Marriott as Sales and Catering Director. His strong emphasis on staff and resident satisfaction make him a perfect fit with the Buckingham culture.
ARCHIE CLINTON
BUSINESS OFFICE DIRECTOR
Archie joined The Buckingham in November 2018. He is originally from Mississippi but was raised in Houston, Texas. Archie is a skilled professional with more than 17 years of experience in all aspects of internal controls, financial and operational risk, contract compliance and accounting management. He previously held leadership roles in accounting and internal audit at Sysco, Parker Drilling, Deloitte and Harris Health Systems. Archie has been successful in partnering with organizational teams to achieve business and financial objectives as well as organizational goals. He provides insight to enhance productivity, process improvements and ensure financial data integrity within The Buckingham community. Archie has also served as a volunteer firefighter and a youth sports coach at the YMCA in order to positively impact his community. He plans to have a similar effect at the Buckingham.
PHILLIP TAYLOR
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Phillip joined The Buckingham from Querencia at Barton Creek, where he served as senior living sales counselor for nearly 3 years before becoming director of sales at The Buckingham in July 2018. He has more than 30 years of experience in senior living and medical supply sales, giving him an intimate understanding of the needs of our residents. Outside of work, Phillip has a deep passion for volunteering. Before moving to Houston, he mentored youth at the Dallas County Juvenile Department. Phillip has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in College Station.
SHANNON SCHMIDT
DIRECTOR OF LIFE ENRICHMENT
Shannon joined The Buckingham in July 2018 as Lifestyle Manager, overseeing the events and programming of The Plaza at The Buckingham. She has been in the industry since 1999 and has been a Nationally Certified Director of Activities through NCCAP since 2006 and most recently as become a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
VINCE BURLAOS
DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE
Vince Burlaos joined The Buckingham in 2019 and provides vision and leadership for the multiple dining services available to residents at The Buckingham. Vince earned a degree in Hospitality in the Philippines and found his way to the United States, beginning a career with Royal Caribbean which traveled to different parts of the world. He became intrigued with the flavors and culture of different countries and enjoys bringing that international experience to his menus. After his tenure with Royal Caribbean, Vince furthered his knowledge through the Florida Culinary Institute with additional training from the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California for the Flavor of the World. His goal at The Buckingham is to make dining more fun and provide an assortment of curated dining options for residents who can select from a variety of dining venues — from lighter choices in the St. James Bistro, to the global-inspired menu in the Rosewood Grill or the traditional, elegant alternative in The Windsor dining room.
PAM ORTIZ
SALES COUNSELOR, INDEPENDENT LIVING
Pam joined The Buckingham shortly after its opening in 2005. She spent the last 15 years as the Director of Resident Services and Lifestyles however she has recently transitioned to a role as a Sales Counselor where she helps to meet the needs of older adults who want to foster a vibrant lifestyle. She has managed many aspects or resident life including housekeeping, move-ins and lifestyles. Pam’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry on Galveston Island laid the foundation of her role at The Buckingham. She is a native Houstonian with a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in restaurant, hotel and institutional management.
TANETTRA DAWKINS
SALES COUNSELOR, INDEPENDENT LIVING
Tanettra Dawkins joined The Buckingham team in 2022 but is not new to senior living. With years of experience in the industry, she works tirelessly to earn the trust and respect of residents, family members and colleagues with a natural ability to connect with people. In her role as a sales counselor, Tanettra partners with senior adults and their families enjoying the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of future Buckingham residents. An Arizona native, Tanettra enjoys spending personal time with family playing board games and singing karaoke. Some of her hobbies include blogging and reading a good book.
MICHELLE SCARBOROUGH
SALES COUNSELOR, HEALTHCARE
Michelle grew up in the Houston area and attended the University of Houston. She volunteered and helped in fundraising with many non-profits. This is where her love for senior living began. She has been in this business for six years and sincerely loves seeing seniors live their best lives and ease the challenges for their families.
ZOI GERSTLE
SALES COUNSELOR, HEALTHCARE
Zoi Colburn is an experienced liaison in senior living having worked with various skilled nursing, assisted living, memory support and independent living communities as well as long term care hospitals. With so much experience, Zoi is extremely knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the industry, making her a great resource to help guide families through the planning of their loved ones’ future. One of her most fulfilling job functions is to bring new ideas to reality to help seniors thrive in their new home environment. A native of Indiana, Zoi was raised in Houston and now lives in Magnolia.
To learn more about the people making a difference at The Buckingham, click here to fill out a contact form or call us at (713) 730-2633.