Office Team

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 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.

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.

Darien moved to Chicago in 2021, from Morgantown, West Virginia, to embrace the energy and opportunity of the Windy City. With a passion for making a difference, she has built her career as a dedicated development professional, specializing in supporting social service and healthcare nonprofit organizations. Her drive to empower communities and foster positive change is at the heart of everything she does. Darien thrives on the endless adventures Chicago has to offer. From uncovering hidden gems in the city’s diverse neighborhoods to indulging in its world-class food and arts scene, she is always eager to explore. A creative spirit at heart, she channels her artistic side into designing handmade greeting cards and unique paper crafts, finding joy in sharing her creations with others.

With over fifteen years of experience in small business, healthcare, and nonprofit management, Gia brings a deep commitment to process improvement and comprehensive program management to her role as Director of Health and Wellbeing at The Village Chicago.

Gia is an active volunteer and serves her community as a healthcare administrator with Queer Care, Inc a nonprofit which offers care coordination and support for those undergoing gender affirming surgeries. She also helped found and lead both Go Green Morton Grove and Morton Grove Pride and formerly served as a commissioner in her village. Gia holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Originally from California, Gia now lives with her family in the Chicago area where she enjoys native gardening, frequenting her local sauna club, and year-round swimming in Lake Michigan.

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.

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.