2026 Business Leaders of the Year: Jason Hynson

Of all the things that bring Jason Hynson satisfaction in his role as executive director of Springfield Victory Mission Inc., he says he is most proud of creating space for God to show up.

“God works through people,” he says.

He says in the last 10 years, Victory has gone from having one full-time and one part-time chaplain to having nine full-time positions, including chaplains, directors, case managers, counselors and social workers.

“I prioritized relationships over everything else,” he says. “Trauma is formed in broken relationships. Victory is healing trauma in quality, supportive relationships.”

Hynson notes he has put an end to duplicated programs and closed Victory’s thrift store, and he has overseen a cash-flow turnaround.

“Ten years ago, Victory was $1.5 million in all debt,” he says. “Within about five years, there was a $2.5 million flip from deficit to cash reserves.”

He says his team plays the Great Game of Business to project income and plan expenses, and during his time with Victory, the agency has started three new businesses, formed to put guests at the agency’s shelter back to work.

Hynson takes pride in Victory’s culture, which is built through a method he calls “people rebranding.”

“What get to help change lives every day,” he says. “It’s also transformational for the Victory team. There’s a culture of honor, love and belonging.”

Hynson’s philosophy is simple: Believe in people, he says, and they will in turn rise to the level of expectation.

He adds that this high level of expectation helps to make Victory a great place to work – though maybe it doesn’t feel that way.

“I love what I do,” he says.

Hynson says Victory does its business without a lot of money or perks, and because of this, it leans heavily on culture.

“It starts here in my heart and in my life,” he says. “I lead with vulnerability, honesty and transparency.”

Hynson also prizes listening.

“I have to be a learner. I have to be a student,” he says. “Leadership is influence – so how do I lead others who show up for less money and less benefits? I look to create a culture of honor, encouragement and empowerment. I can’t take anyone where I haven’t gone myself.”

Hynson’s belief is that everyone who is placed in the right environment can change, grow and become the best version of themselves.

“This is not just a job or a career,” he says. “This is my life’s work, my calling and a passion.”

Hynson sees the work as vital to the lives of those Victory Mission serves. He aims to see their needs over his own and to empower them by giving them freedom, even to fail.

“I have to be willing to cut the fluff,” he says. “We can’t just do programs. There are lives at stake here. It must really work.”

Hynson says he does what he loves every day, and it reflects his mindset.

“I get to serve the community by seeing potential over problems,” he says. “I see opportunities over opposition. I see victory over victims.”