At Transforming Age, strong communities are built by strong leaders. Through our Executive Director Spotlight Series, we’re highlighting the individuals whose passion, experience, and dedication help create places where residents feel at home, team members feel empowered, and families find peace of mind.
This week, we’re proud to feature Vicki Hutchens, Executive Director of Mission Square. With decades of leadership experience and a lifelong passion for serving others, Vicki brings a unique perspective to senior living, one rooted in relationships, problem-solving, and making the most of every opportunity.
Before joining Mission Square, Vicki built an impressive 37-year career in multifamily property management throughout the Kansas City area. Along the way, she also oversaw properties in Des Moines, Iowa, and Denver, Colorado, serving in regional leadership roles that helped shape her approach to management and customer service.
Her career began with a degree in Marketing and a role as Marketing Director for a large company in Kansas City. While marketing provided a strong foundation, Vicki soon discovered her strengths extended beyond attracting customers. She found herself drawn to community management, where she could build relationships, solve challenges, and create positive experiences for the people she served.
Driven by a desire to continue growing, she became actively involved in the local apartment industry, volunteering her time and eventually earning a spot on the Board of Directors for the local Apartment Association. Her dedication and leadership led her to serve as President in both 1999 and 2000, a distinction she proudly notes made her president during both the final year of one millennium and the first year of the next.
“No one else can say that!” she jokes.
After nearly four decades in the industry, Vicki was ready for a new challenge. At 63, she made the decision to transition into senior living and accepted a position at Mission Square, a move that would allow her to apply her extensive experience in an entirely new way.
As it turned out, the skills she had spent years developing translated perfectly.
“What excites me most are the opportunities to use my property management skills to make a difference for the best people ever, seniors,” she says.
For Vicki, serving older adults isn’t just about managing a community. It’s about creating an environment where residents can thrive, relationships can flourish, and people feel genuinely valued.
That commitment shows up in her leadership style every day.
She believes in leading by example and isn’t afraid to jump in wherever needed. While she understands the importance of delegation, she also believes that no task is beneath anyone, especially a leader.
“When no one else is available, I don’t wait. I launch a plan,” she says.
Her hands-on approach has become a defining part of the culture at Mission Square. Residents and team members know that if something needs attention, Vicki is ready to help make it happen.
More importantly, they know she cares.
“The community as a whole feels that my heart is in this,” she says.
That sense of commitment aligns naturally with Transforming Age’s Culture of Excellence. For Vicki, excellence isn’t something that requires grand gestures or complicated strategies. It comes from continuously looking for ways to make life and work better for those around her.
“Constantly working to improve the experience of living or working at Mission Square is my personal motto,” she explains.
That mindset can be seen throughout the community. It’s reflected in the daily laughter shared among residents and team members, the lessons learned from challenges, and the genuine affection Vicki and her team have for the people around them.
She speaks passionately not only about residents but also about the broader community, local businesses, vendors, and even delivery drivers who become part of everyday life at Mission Square.
“We fiercely love the community of residents, our little town, the vendors, and especially the delivery people,” she says with a smile.
For Vicki, that sense of connection is at the heart of everything the community does. When people genuinely care about one another, excellence follows naturally.
At the center of that philosophy are relationships.
One of the things Vicki enjoys most about her role is the opportunity to work alongside residents, families, and team members to solve problems and create positive outcomes together.
Rather than viewing concerns as complaints, she sees them as opportunities.
“There are no complaints, just requests for service,” she says.
It’s a simple perspective, but one that reflects how she approaches leadership. Instead of focusing on what can’t be done, she focuses on what can.
“Saying no is not what we are about. It’s about what we can do that matters.”
By working collaboratively and seeking solutions together, Vicki believes stronger relationships naturally develop. Those connections lead to trust, teamwork, and a shared sense of accomplishment.
At the end of each day, she says, the greatest reward comes from knowing that residents, families, and team members have worked together to make the community better.
Outside of Mission Square, Vicki enjoys staying active and spending time with the people who matter most. Her hobbies include golfing, dancing, reading, and watching a wide variety of movies. Above all, she cherishes opportunities to be with her grandchildren, family, and friends.
Those moments remind her of the importance of being present, a philosophy that influences both her personal life and her leadership style.
In fact, when asked what message she hopes residents, families, and team members take away as they get to know her, her answer is simple and heartfelt:
“This life is a gift. Being present is the best gift of all.”
It’s a message that perfectly captures who Vicki is as a leader. She brings decades of experience, a willingness to roll up her sleeves, and an unwavering commitment to the people around her. Whether she’s solving a problem, sharing a laugh, or simply taking the time to listen, her focus remains on helping others enjoy the best possible experience each day.
That spirit of service, positivity, and presence continues to shape the culture at Mission Square, creating a welcoming community where residents feel at home, families feel supported, and team members are empowered to make a difference.
The best way to experience Mission Square is to see it for yourself. We invite you to meet Vicki and the team, explore the community, and discover the welcoming atmosphere that makes Mission Square such a special place to call home.
Whether you’re exploring senior living options for yourself or a loved one, looking to learn more about community life, or simply curious about what makes Mission Square unique, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.
Community Website: www.Mission-Square.com
Phone: 913-800-8188
Address: 6220 Martway St., Mission, KS 66202
Living Options Available:
Schedule a tour today and discover how Mission Square is creating a vibrant community where connection, purpose, and belonging thrive every day.