Leadership & Board of Directors
It takes a village.
A small leadership team and a working board, known by name to the People we support and the families we serve.
Leadership Team
Kristy Hayes
Kristy stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2025, following the retirement of founder Colleen Renie. She had previously led the organization’s services as Director of Services. Since her start with VOM in 2015, she has built relationships with residents, families, and coaches across all three communities.
Michelle Harker
Michelle joined Village of Merici as a Staff Support Specialist and worked alongside the People we support for more than three years before stepping into her current role. She leads our fundraising, donor relationships, sponsorships, and legacy giving.
Chelsea Deel
Chelsea has grown with Village of Merici for more than nine years, from coach to key leader. In 2024 she became an accredited CARF Surveyor, a credential that helps her keep our services strong. She leads our direct support team and the day-to-day work with the People we support.
Board of Directors
Our board guides the strategy, watches the finances, and stays close to the work.
Board Chair · Owner, Construction Management, BAF Corporation
Vice President · Architect, TGS Architects
Treasurer · Tax Director, CBIZ
Secretary · Project Search Coordinator
Attorney and Registered Domestic Relations Mediator, Becker Bouwkamp Walker, PC
Resident Representative
Anesthesiologist, retired
Communications Specialist
Attorney, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP
Owner and President, Techlite
Simon Property Group, retired
Principal, CAPTRUST
Join the Board
We are always glad to meet people who might want to serve on the Village of Merici board. The board meets quarterly, with committee work between meetings, and members serve as ambassadors in their own communities. If you want to learn more, write to us.