CHICAGO (January 29, 2024) The Village Chicago announced today that CEO Darcy Evon will
step down effective March 31, 2024, to pursue her next chapter. After five years at the helm of
this non-profit serving older adults in Chicago, she leaves behind an exceptional staff team, new
programs, and special initiatives for the organization. She also departs after seeing the Village
Chicago achieve and consolidate the strongest financial position in its 15-year history.

“Darcy has proven to be a remarkable leader by improving the quality of life for older adults and
their families in Chicago, building new programs, expanding our connections and community
partnerships, increasing our local and national footprints, addressing entrenched ageism,
building diversity, and consistently achieving record levels of financial support through the
years–including the pandemic period,” said Board Chair David Baker.

“Working at The Village Chicago has been an honor and a privilege,” said Evon. “Building and
empowering a highly qualified, caring, and entrepreneurial team combined with exceptional
board leadership allowed us to thrive,” she added.

During Evon’s tenure, The Village expanded its intergenerational focus, developed and
launched important programs focused on supporting social connection, brain health, and age
equity, increased its DEI initiatives, elevated fundraising to unprecedented levels, and launched
an annual report and new donor recognition systems. Under Evon’s leadership, the Village
Chicago also expanded LGBTQ+ and minority representation, its loyal volunteer base, and
community partnerships.

“We know that Darcy will remain active in the Village as a volunteer, and we look forward to her
creative energy and insight as we expand in the years ahead,” said Board Member and
immediate past Chair Karen Terry.

The Village Chicago is a dynamic community network of friendship, engagement, and services
for people over 50. The Village strengthens wellbeing through social engagement, an extensive
services and referral network, lifelong learning, health and fitness, intergenerational
relationships, work, and purpose. The vision of the Village is a world where older adults are a
vital part of a cohesive, collaborative society in which everyone can thrive.

Village member and journalist Judy Carmack Bross has a feature article on the Village’s annual benefit, Jazzin’ with the Village, in Classic Chicago Magazine. The article features some great photos of the evening’s festivites! Click here to read the article on Classic Chicago’s website.

​​DePa​ul received the 2023 Trailblazer Award from The Village Chicago, which has partnered with DePaul since its founding in 2009. DePaul was recognized for its support in fostering an age-inclusive city and its commitment to “forming partnerships that bring cultural and social enrichment to the communities that surround it.”

Read more on DePaul’s website.

An article by writer and editor (and Village member) Judy Carmack Bross shares the excitement leading up to the Village’s 14th annual benefit, and profiles the individuals, author, and organization chosen to receive this year’s prestigious Trailblazer aweards. Read the article “Jazzin’ With The Village” at Classic Chicago Magazine.