Phoenix Service Corporation Board of Directors
Irene Wright - Chairwoman
Irene has worked in real estate for over 35 years, spanning many areas of the industry, including property management, project development, project and residential sales, marketing, corporate services, division management, and relocation.
Irene is the CEO of National Handicap Housing Institute, an affordable housing nonprofit, that empowers the independent lifestyle of people with disabilities and seniors. Irene graduated from Metro State University and served as President of the Alumni board for many years. Irene joined the Board of Directors in 2021.
Irene has 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and spends as much time as she can with them. She also loves to travel, read, paint watercolors, and visit with family and friends.
Jenny Buchanan - Vice Chairwoman
Jenny is our newest member of the PSC Board of Directors. She is also Chairwoman of our sister corporation's Board of Directors, The Phoenix Residence.
Jenny started her career as a buyer for a major department store and then for a national specialty chain. She retired to raise her son, but then headed up a small local nonprofit before permanently retiring.
Now, Jenny and her husband have three children and six grandchildren. She said it's been fulfilling to watch each grandchild all 18-23 years old now develop into their own careers. In her free time, Jenny enjoys reading, writing and walking. She is currently teaching herself to crochet again.
Deborah Gillis - Secretary/Treasurer
Deborah has been a member of the Phoenix Service Corporation (PSC) Board since it was founded. She has enjoyed helping guide and give feedback to PSC staff who have helped clients achieve their highest possible level of independence. She says it’s also been interesting to watch the changes in services provided by PSC over the years and she has enjoyed getting to know some of the PSC staff.
Deborah is a retired professional since October 2013. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. During the first half of her career, she worked with children in the St. Paul Public Schools. She helped establish an itinerant team in the district with the mission of helping mainstream students. For the last half of her career, she worked for Washington County Community Services with adults over 65 years old in assisting them to remain as independent as possible.
Deborah is married and has 2 grown children and 5 beautiful granddaughters. Since retirement, she has enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time with her granddaughters, including volunteering at their schools. She also loves to travel, garden, read, and stay connected with family and friends.
Darlene Scott - President/CEO
As an employee of The Phoenix Residence for over 30 years, Darlene Scott currently serves as the President/CEO. Darlene has served in many roles during her tenure at Phoenix including her first position as a Senior Resident Care Manager. She assumed the role of President and CEO in 1998.
Darlene is active in many industry associations such as ARRM (Association of Residential Resources of Minnesota); currently serving as President and a Board Member for eight years. She also was the Minnesota liaison to the American Health Association on issues related to services for persons with disabilities.
Impacting the lives of others in a meaningful way is what Darlene enjoys the most about working at The Phoenix Residence. She believes Phoenix is a unique organization, helping others to experience life in the way they want to live. Over the years, Darlene has forged many close relationships with staff members and individuals we serve.
Originally from Louisiana, Darlene relocated to Minnesota in 1979 to attend college. Darlene currently lives in Cottage Grove where she enjoys riding her motorcycle, reading, going for walks, and spending time with her family. She is very active in church activities and is a current officer.