Molly Conley to Lead The Village Chicago in Transforming Life After 50 

2 min read

Chicago, Illinois, July 8, 2025  With energy, vision, and a proven track record, Molly Conley stepped into the role of Executive Director at The Village Chicago on July 7. She brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership and a commitment to supporting older adults in living purposeful, connected lives.

Conley will focus on advancing the 16 year-old Village’s mission of engaged and secure lives for older adults through the power of community. Her professional work in aging services at the HAP Foundation and personal experience as a caregiver have fueled her vision for an innovative, fiscally strong organization, fully immersed in the interests and needs of its members.

David Baker, Board Chair who led the search committee observes , “Molly Conley is a seasoned veteran of nonprofits with a passion for the mission of serving older adults. She demonstrates strong management and fundraising skills so necessary in today’s environment.  We are fortunate that she saw this position as an opportunity to fulfill her career aspirations.” 

Conley explains, “We want to expand the impact of some of the Village’s signature programs that already make such a difference for solo agers, family caregivers, and those seeking new social networks after retirement and beyond.

“I am honored to be chosen to build on the Village’s strong legacy and to help shape its exciting future.”

Niki Fox to Step Down as Executive Director of The Village Chicago.

2 min read

Chicago, Illinois July 1, 2025. The Village Chicago announces that Executive
Director Niki Fox will step down this July after ten years of visionary, mission-
driven service that helped shape the organization into a nationally recognized
model for aging in community.


Fox began her journey with the Village as a social work intern and went on to
serve in multiple roles—including Member Services Manager and Director of
Health and Wellbeing—before assuming the role of Executive Director. In each
position, she brought a unique blend of clinical expertise, compassion, and
efficiency.


Fox was instrumental in designing some of the Village’s signature programs
including the Brain Health/Memory loss program. She leaves behind a legacy of
purpose and possibility and is an inspiring example of how to build a supportive,
caring community.


“Niki truly embraces and lives the mission of The Village Chicago” said David
Baker, Board Chair. “She embodied the mission through her engagement and
support of our members, her development of programs to serve our changing
needs, and her every communication with us”


While this marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, a new leader has been
named to continue the important work ahead.


The Village Chicago is a community of people who choose to share interests, experience,
and friendship as we age. Together with a professional staff, volunteers, and an
extensive network of services and service providers, we offer new social connections,
lifelong learning, opportunities to find purpose, and support through life transitions. 
Everyone needs a Village – who’s yours?

Get Village Merch till March 21!

1 min read

Great news, Villagers! The Village Store is reopening for a limited time—from March 7th to March 21st—giving you the perfect chance to grab your exclusive Village Chicago gear!

This is your opportunity to show your Village pride, spark conversations, and help spread awareness about our incredible community. Whether you’re rocking a cozy sweatshirt, a stylish tote, or a classic tee, you’ll be representing a network of engaged, dynamic, and inspiring individuals.

But hurry—this pop-up shop won’t last forever! Secure your favorite items before the store closes on March 21st.

Don’t miss out—get your gear, wear it with pride, and let’s make The Village Chicago visible everywhere we go!

Click here to shop! (the-village-chicago-merch-shop.getgivee.com)

Our 2024 Annual Report has Arrived!

1 min read

We are thrilled to share our milestones and remarkable achievements in our 2024 annual report. Click on the link below to learn more about our exciting new programs and vibrant community. Join us in celebration of 16 years of serving our community!

Click here to view a PDF version of the Annual Report

Light Up the Night: The Village Chicago 2024 Fundraiser

1 min read

On Tuesday September 24, at the Chicago History Museum, The Village held “Light Up the Night”, our 2024 annual fundraiser. A lively crowd of 220 had a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones at the cocktail reception. This year, though, came with an exciting twist— fun games with prizes that helped boost the funds raised that evening. 

Auctioneer Keith Jones energized the room, and sparked enthusiastic bidding with his fast-paced presentation, showcasing irresistible travel packages and Chicago experiences.

The evening culminated in a breathtaking performance by three talented young artists from Lyric Opera’s Ryan Opera Center. 

This event is important because the Village is important. We are a unique community of people dedicated to each other’s wellbeing, supported by a professional staff, providing vital connections and resources for navigating life after 50. There’s truly nothing else like us.

Thanks again to Judith Gethner and Ira Kohlman, event co-chairs, for their leadership; to the fundraiser committee and staff for their hard work – and most of all to you, our members for your commitment and support.

The Village Chicago Appoints Niki Fox as New Executive Director

2 min read

Chicago (May 2, 2024)  The Village Chicago, the city’s leading community network of friendship, engagement, and services for people over 50 announced today the appointment of Niki Fox as Executive Director effective May 13, 2024. She replaces Darcy L. Evon who stepped down after five years of extraordinary contributions to the organization.  

David Baker, Board Chair and Chair of the Search Committee said: “Niki’s intimate knowledge of The Village’s mission, members, and programs made her the ultimate choice after a thorough search. I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”  

Since 2015, when Fox first came to the Village she has demonstrated her strategic and operational capabilities which, combined with her skills at listening, understanding, and fulfilling individual and community needs, make her uniquely prepared to step into this role.  

In her previous position as as Director of Health and Wellbeing, Fox was instrumental in developing new program and service offerings with a broad range of community partners – including the development of the Village’s best-in-class Memory Loss and Brain Health programs.  

Neelum Aggarwal, MD of the Rush University Medical Center Department of Neurological Sciences says, “Niki has been a tireless advocate for the health and wellbeing of Village members. She also has worked alongside members of our Village Research Committee, offering her insights, and expertise to the various research proposals we receive from Chicagoland institutions and community partners.”  

Fox says, “I am honored to be selected as Executive Director and eager to put my experience to work on behalf of the Village community. As The Village celebrates 15 years of service to Chicago’s older adults and their families, I look forward to the future from this new vantage point, guided by our shared vision of aging well with empathy, passion, and purpose.”  

About the Village Chicago: The Village Chicago is a community network of friendship, engagement, and services for people over 50. We support all aspects of wellbeing through social engagement, an extensive services and referral network, lifelong learning, health and fitness, intergenerational relationships, work, and purpose.