Office Team

Molly Conley

Executive Director

With energy, vision, and a proven track record, Molly Conley stepped into the role of Executive Director at The Village Chicago in July, 2025. She brings over a decade of […]
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Molly Conley

Executive Director

With energy, vision, and a proven track record, Molly Conley stepped into the role of Executive Director at The Village Chicago in July, 2025. She brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership, and a commitment to supporting older adults in living purposeful, connected lives. 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 Village, attuned to the interests and needs of its members. Molly loves reading, traveling with husband Bill to visit their three grown children, and enjoying the ever-changing beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Callie Alton

Director of Membership & Operations

Callie began as a volunteer for the Chicago Hyde Park Village in 2020 and has previously worked as an educator and writer. As both a team member and volunteer, she […]
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Callie Alton

Director of Membership & Operations

Callie began as a volunteer for the Chicago Hyde Park Village in 2020 and has previously worked as an educator and writer. As both a team member and volunteer, she is committed to building more equitable communities through developing intergenerational networks of connection and support. Callie received her BA in English from The University of Washington and has a Master’s in Literature from Trinity College Dublin. An avid reader and writer, Callie is passionate about all things literary and also enjoys the visual arts, cycling, and travel.

Laurel Baer

Director of Strategic Initiatives

A founding Village member, Laurel started volunteering for the Village shortly before it opened in June 2009 and became a part time staff member in 2010. She worked in marketing […]
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Laurel Baer

Director of Strategic Initiatives

A founding Village member, Laurel started volunteering for the Village shortly before it opened in June 2009 and became a part time staff member in 2010. She worked in marketing for nearly 40 years, in advertising agencies and as a sole practitioner consultant. In her current role, she helps shape strategy, planning and communications for most major Village initiatives. Her proudest accomplishment was founding Bottomless Closet in 1991, the first nonprofit free business apparel resource for women transitioning from assistance to work.

Susan Wakula

Director of Finance

Having returned to her home town to help her parents navigate their final years, Susan landed at the Village because its mission resonated with her recent lived experience — “I […]
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Susan Wakula

Director of Finance

Having returned to her home town to help her parents navigate their final years, Susan landed at the Village because its mission resonated with her recent lived experience — “I wish my parents would’ve had a place like the Village.” She received her undergraduate degree in Finance and MBA from Drake University and a Master’s degree in Religion and Ecology from Loyola/New Orleans. Susan has a rich and varied background in finance, working for financial institutions and non-profits, including religious organizations, youth services, and higher education.

Jessica Zipkin

Director of Communications & Programs

With a BA in English from Kent State University and an extensive background in nonprofit management, healthcare, and the arts, Jessica strives to bring quality programming and exceptional experiences to the Village community. […]
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Jessica Zipkin

Director of Communications & Programs

With a BA in English from Kent State University and an extensive background in nonprofit management, healthcare, and the arts, Jessica strives to bring quality programming and exceptional experiences to the Village community. She embraces the notion that it takes a village to make the world a better and more beautiful place, and is excited to be a part of that process.  Jessica is an experienced glassblower and potter and is always up for a new artistic challenge.

Join Us!

We’re looking for talented individuals to join our team.