Meet the leaders making excellence the standard.

Philip Jacob

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.

Cory Thompson, MBA, LNFA, CALM

Cory Thompson, MBA, LNFA, CALM

Healthcare Administrator

Cory Thompson began his career as a Healthcare Administrator in 2011, leading a small skilled nursing facility in Belville, TX. Since then, he has led multiple skilled nursing facilities for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, such as SavaSeniorCare-Houston and Buckner Retirement Services. Cory was nominated for the LeadingAge-Texas Excellence in Leadership Award in 2019. In 2016, Cory led a team to the AHCA/NCAL Bronze Commitment to Quality Award. He has also led two communities to Texas Health and Human Services Commission deficiency free Healthcare Surveys. Cory is a native Houstonian and enjoys serving through his work and involvement with organizations such as his church and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Archie Clinton

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

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

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.

Lori Mahana

Lori Mahana

Director of Plant Operations

Lori Mahana is a native Houstonian who joined The Buckingham in 2016 with more than a decade of experience in managing the operations of commercial cleaning at Spring ISD, where she over saw the environmental services for 15 schools and approximately 100 employees. As Director of Housekeeping, here at The Buckingham, her responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness of all residents homes in all levels of care, as well as the public areas throughout the community. Her attention to detail has improved the surroundings of The Buckingham. In addition, she oversees the daily operations of the community laundry services for The Plaza healthcare.

Vince Burlaos

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

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

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

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 Colburn

Zoi Colburn

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 with plans to be married in the very near future.

Get in touch using the contact form on this page to learn more about the people making a difference in our community.