TECH, INC’S LONG-TIME CEO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Brenda Maxey, President and CEO of TECH, announces her retirement.

Brenda Maxey, TECH President/CEO

Hutchinson, KS – After 34 years of service, Brenda Maxey, President and CEO of TECH, announces her retirement, starting a leadership transition process over the next 10 months. Maxey’s decision to retire will bring to close a remarkable career of 34 years of service to TECH.

“Brenda has tirelessly served the needs of our clients at TECH, as well as the entire organization, for 34 years. Her smile, energy and servant’s heart will be missed,” said Bob Capps, Chairman of the TECH Operations Board of Directors.

“It’s been an honor to serve as the President and CEO of TECH for the last 22 years. I am proud of the impact that TECH makes every single day. We have a remarkable team providing the highest quality of services to people with disabilities in Hutchinson, helping those individuals live the very best life possible. And our community – they have embraced the people we serve, allowing TECH to become a part of the fabric that weaves our community together,” says Maxey.

Kevin Hess, Vice-President of Business and Finance

The TECH board of directors has been working to identify a successor for Maxey and are excited to announce that Kevin Hess, Vice President of Business and Finance for TECH, has been named as the new CEO for the organization. “Kevin’s hire three years ago was very purposeful. While he was a great candidate for the Vice President role, his skills and capabilities far exceeded the position of CFO,” says Maxey. She went on to say, “I have all the confidence in Kevin’s ability to lead the team and the organization to the next level.”

“Brenda spoke with the executive committee of the board in March 2021 about her interest in retiring and beginning a successorship for the CEO position. She gave us plenty of time to prepare for her departure and plan for the organization’s next steps,” says Capps. He went on to say, “Kevin brings a long and successful business career as well as having been the CFO at TECH for the past 3 years. He will be a wonderful successor for Brenda and will continue to grow TECH in the community.”

“I’ve been very strategic in the planning of this (retirement), it has never been about a specific date, but more about the right time. It was important to me that we had a very strong team in place, and I feel the time is right and I can’t wait to see what this team is capable of,” says Maxey.

A Remarkable Career
Maxey started her career with TECH in 1988 as a Residential Services Coordinator for the agency after working as a Direct Support Staff in Colorado while attending college. Since then, she has had an opportunity to sit in nearly every seat of the organization, offering her a unique perspective as a leader and CEO. In 1999, Maxey became the second CEO in TECH’s history, behind her long-time mentor, the late Maurice Cummings. During her time as CEO, Maxey said she has experienced many great accomplishments as well as unexpected challenges.

During Maxey’s tenure, she has guided the organization through several significant projects including, the start of the e-Cycle program in 2009 and the TECH Art Program in 2010; the beginning of a partnership with Manske & Associates which yielded the creation of the TECH Art Gallery, relocation of the TECH Administrative Offices into the Wiley Building and the brand-new construction of The Link, a 29-unit apartment complex in Downtown Hutchinson for people with developmental disabilities and aging residents; the expansion of our elder care program, including the creation of TECH retirement homes over the last 20 years. Maxey has also been very active at the State and National levels, holding officer positions with both the State and National Associations, while advocating on behalf of people with disabilities.

Maxey leaves the organization in solid financial standing with a team that she has the utmost confidence in. “I still plan to be involved in the organization, certainly as a supporter, but will continue my advocacy roles at the local, state and national levels because advocating for people with disabilities is and always will be a passion of mine,” says Maxey. “While I plan to sit back, take a breath and see what my next chapter looks like, I know that TECH will always be a part of my future.”

Maxey’s retirement date is set for July 1, 2022.

About TECH: TECH has been serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Hutchinson area since 1973. Our mission is to assist individuals with disabilities of all ages live full and productive lives through advocacy, supports, and education. For more information, visit www.TECHinc.org.