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.
âDarcy 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
yearsâincluding the pandemic period,â said Board Chair David Baker.
âWorking at The Village Chicago has been an honor and a privilege,â said Evon. âBuilding and
empowering a highly qualified, caring, and entrepreneurial team combined with exceptional
board leadership allowed us to thrive,â she added.
During Evonâs 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 Evonâs leadership, the Village
Chicago also expanded LGBTQ+ and minority representation, its loyal volunteer base, and
community partnerships.
âWe 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,â 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.