Feature Spotlight #48 - Terri Hanson

Leading with Vision: A Women of Title Spotlight

President & CEO, VizionX, LLC

In the title industry, there are women who rise quietly and then there are those whose presence shifts the conversation. Terri Hanson is one of those women. With decades of experience, a visionary approach to technology, and a passion for people that radiates from every conversation, Terri is not just leading; she’s changing the way leadership looks and feels in our space.

As the President and CEO of VizionX, LLC, Terri’s professional path has woven through some of the most respected names in title and software; yet her story begins with something incredibly humble: courthouse copies.

The Accidental Beginning of a Lifelong Calling

Terri’s first step into the industry came as a teenager in Northern Colorado, when her mother, who worked at the Clerk and Recorder’s office, helped her land a job as a “poster” at Transamerica Title. She would spend her days making copies of recorded documents at the courthouse, bringing them back to the office, and pasting them into large tract books, page by page, line by line.

It was tedious work, but it sparked something—a respect for the process and a curiosity about what it all meant. At the time, she didn’t fully understand the depth of what title professionals did—not yet. That connection would come later, when she bought her first home. That’s when everything clicked; the documents, the closings, the purpose. The weight of the work she’d once simply filed became deeply meaningful. “That was the moment I truly understood the importance of each step in the process,” she says.

A Career Built on Curiosity, Technology & Trust

Over the years, Terri carved a reputation as a forward-thinking leader and a powerhouse in title technology. She spent 16 years with Stewart Title, working alongside some of the industry’s best minds. She then joined Adeptive Software, the creators of Resware, where she spent another decade immersed in tech solutions that streamlined and elevated how title companies operated.

She has also brought her talents to smaller firms, which gave her an even greater appreciation for the diversity of operations across the country. Now, at the helm of VizionX, she blends her love of systems and strategy with a people-first mindset that shapes everything she does. Her expertise lies in identifying gaps, implementing better workflows, and—most of all—bringing together teams who trust one another and believe in the mission. “I’ve always been passionate about technology,” she explains, “but it’s the people that make it all matter.”

Mentorship, Modeling, and a Woman Named Lee Ann

Throughout her journey, one woman stood out as a guiding light: Lee Ann Fenske, a colleague from her Stewart Title days. “She had a rare balance,” Terri shares. “She was professional and polished, but also deeply personable. She led with fairness and built people up around her. I admired how she made people feel seen and respected.”

That example stuck with Terri. Today, she pays it forward in every role she takes—training, mentoring, and quietly lifting those around her. Her philosophy? Elevate others, and you elevate the whole industry.

A Word for the New Generation of Women Of Title

Terri is a firm believer that this industry can hold a place for anyone with passion and curiosity. Her advice to younger women coming into title?

“Be curious. Ask questions. Explore. There are so many paths in this business—and when you find what lights you up, you’ll know.”

Interestingly, her own background is in French, not business or tech. She once planned to be a teacher, and in many ways, she fulfilled that vision by training teams across the country on software systems. Her role married two of her greatest passions: learning and traveling. The career she once stumbled into became a passport to experiences and relationships she never could’ve imagined.

Strength, Grace & the Art of Listening First

In a world that often rewards the loudest voice, Terri has found strength in stepping back. When asked how she deals with difficult personalities or aggressive behavior, she responds with thoughtful calm. “I try to give people space. I’ve found that most of the time, there’s something deeper going on. Asking questions rather than being defensive usually draws out the real issue—something we can then actually solve.” Her leadership style is built not on command, but connection. She listens. She trusts. She leads with quiet confidence that earns respect because it’s so rare.

EOS, Elevation, and a Love for Learning

One of the most transformational tools in Terri’s journey has been the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—not just a business framework, but a complete shift in how she viewed leadership, teamwork, and growth.

“It changed everything,” she says. “It helped the company I was with grow, but more importantly, it made me a better manager, colleague, and human being.” One of her favorite EOS mantras is “Delegate to Elevate,” a phrase that now defines how she empowers others to rise.

Her “Why” Is Bigger Than the Business

When asked what drives her to keep showing up, keep innovating, and keep mentoring, Terri’s answer is both simple and profound: giving back.

“This industry is full of amazing people. If you’re willing to work hard, stay curious, and serve others, you’ll go far. My ‘why’ has always been to give back to the people who poured into me.”

That heart for others is what makes her leadership so magnetic.

And it’s not confined to her job.

A Life Rooted in Purpose, Inside and Out

Terri and her husband, Tory—a retired teacher and coach—live a life of intentional impact. Though they don’t have children of their own, they’ve mentored many young people and built a “village” of relationships that keep them connected, grounded, and young at heart.

Terri also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), supporting children in the foster system—a role she describes as one of her greatest passions. “It keeps me rooted in purpose. And it reminds me daily why empathy, patience, and showing up for others matters.”

Final Fun Facts & Personal Touches

Her first concert? Bruce Springsteen, a big moment for a girl from Northern Colorado who drove to Denver at 16 to see The Boss. These days, she listens to Chris Stapleton Radio on SiriusXM for its rich mix of genres.

Her word (or rather, her two words) to live by? People First. “Everyone we meet is a person before they’re a role or a title. I care so much more about who they are than what they do.”

And when asked what she hopes her legacy will be, she says simply, “that I truly cared for people, whether they were a customer, a colleague, or an industry connection. I hope they felt that.”

To the Women of Her.Collective…

Terri’s parting words are a gracious nod to the women rising alongside her, "It’s incredibly encouraging to see this platform, these conversations, these stories being told. We need more of this. And we need more women building one another up, sharing wisdom, and showing the next generation what’s possible.”

Her. the Title Collective is proud to honor Terri Hanson as this week’s Woman of Title—a leader whose elegance, experience, and heart have shaped teams, companies, and countless careers. Her story reminds us that success isn’t just about achievement. It’s about integrity. And about how you make people feel along the way.

*Connect with Terri here: thanson@vizionx.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook