2021 40 Under 40: Katie Hansen

With her sights set on a future as an industrial and organizational psychologist, Katie Hansen, 33, brings a focus on collaboration and progress to her role as a senior bank examiner.

Hansen has thrown herself headfirst into opportunities to organize and mobilize initiatives on culture and engagement at the Missouri Division of Finance

“Through lots of asking questions, listening to feedback and guiding collaboration, we have changed the mission from a one-time fix … to a continuous cultural initiative,” she says.

Hansen brings that same eye for improvement to her junior board role with Lost & Found Grief Center, where she has been a volunteer for five years.

First job? I served frozen custard at the Nutty Munkey, smelled like waffle cones and told people to “Have a Nutty Day.”

Theme song? I have a theme song for nearly every activity I do and may as well call my life a musical. “Shake it Out,” Florence and the Machine; “Can’t Hold Us,” Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis; “Don’t Stop Me Now,” Queen; “Titanium,” David Guetta and Sia; and “The Best is Yet to Come,” Frank Sinatra.

Most treasured possession? Every handwritten note I have ever received from a loved one.

Favorite hobby or pastime? To garden and create floral arrangements. To being able to get my hands dirty, create a bouquet and furnish my house or others with a bit of happiness provides me with real reprieve.