NAPERVILLE, Ill. — June 29, 2026 — The Youth Outlook Board of Directors today announced that Carolyn Wahlskog (she/they) has been appointed the organization’s next Executive Director, effective January 31, 2027. Carolyn will succeed founding Executive Director Nancy Mullen (pronouns interchangeable), who will retire after more than 28 years leading the organization.
Nancy became Youth Outlook’s first Executive Director in October 1998, when the organization was only months old. Under her leadership, what began as a fledgling effort grew into the first and longest-running nonprofit in Illinois dedicated solely to LGBTQ+ youth. Today, Youth Outlook supports young people across DuPage, Kane, Whiteside, LaSalle, DeKalb, Will, Peoria, suburban Cook Counties, and virtually through Drop-In Centers, parent and caregiver support, community education, and health and wellness navigation.
“Nancy didn’t just lead Youth Outlook; she built it. For nearly three decades, LGBTQ+ young people and families across Illinois have found belonging, affirmation, and a growing ecosystem of care because of her vision,” said Emily Simonson (she/they), Board Chair of Youth Outlook. “Just as importantly, Nancy’s legacy lives in the team that will continue showing up long after their retirement, in the culture they shaped, and the relationships they built that define this organization’s place in the community. We are profoundly grateful they are extending that same spirit through a thoughtful transition that positions Youth Outlook for continued strength and stability.”
“One of the strongest indicators of an organization’s health is its ability to cultivate the next generation of leadership. Carolyn’s grown with Youth Outlook. They know our youth, communities, and mission deeply and have already made profound impacts on our programs and culture,” notes Cecilia Benitez (she/her), Vice Chair of Youth Outlook. “At a critical time for LGBTQ+ young people and our country, we are fortunate and proud to have a leader of Carolyn’s caliber ready to guide the organization forward.”
Carolyn first joined Youth Outlook in 2011 and has spent the better part of fifteen years with the organization, rising from Graduate Intern to Program Leader to her current role as Director of Operations and Programming. She also brings executive experience from outside the organization. As Executive Director of Housing at 360 Youth Services, she led a $2.5 million portfolio of housing and child welfare programs serving young people experiencing homelessness.
Carolyn’s leadership spans regional coalitions, state boards, and a gubernatorial subcommittee appointment, making her a trusted voice in the statewide LGBTQ+ ecosystem, with deep relationships across funders, schools, and community partners. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work. Her recognition in the field includes the National Association of Social Workers – Illinois Chapter’s Emerging Leader of the Year award and selection to Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30.
The Board’s decision followed a structured, months-long assessment process. Rather than a traditional leadership handoff, Youth Outlook is undertaking a structured transition period. Beginning this summer, Carolyn will serve as Executive Director Designate, working alongside Nancy to ensure continuity for staff, youth, partners, and funders while creating space for mentorship, knowledge transfer, and shared leadership.
About Youth Outlook
Founded in 1998, Youth Outlook is Illinois’ first and longest-running social services agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. We provide the care and community LGBTQ+ young people need to thrive, offering statewide services that include virtual and in-person programs for youth and young adults ages 5-24, caregiver and parent support, health and wellness navigation, and community education and professional development. Youth Outlook is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. youth-outlook.org
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