PHILADELPHIA—On Jan. 9, members of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy braved frigid temperatures to gather at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s Wissahickon Inn Chapel for the organization’s annual membership meeting. The hybrid event, which combined in-person and virtual attendance, marked a period of transition and growth. It featured leadership updates, the election of new board directors, and a look back at a successful 2024.
Reviewing 2024 highlights and electing new leadership
The membership voted to elect and re-elect directors to the Conservancy’s board. Newly elected directors include Will Bishop, Ashley Douglas, James McNabb, Daniel Preston, and James Rice. Re-elected directors include Tim Greenwood, Jean McCoubrey, and Larry Salva. Each director brings a unique background and expertise to the board, united by their passion for preserving and sustaining Chestnut Hill’s rich heritage.
Ashley Douglas, a graphic and interactive designer, brings decades of experience in branding, web design, and art. She is deeply passionate about Chestnut Hill’s unique character, architecture, and gardens. She contributes to its preservation through her involvement with institutions such as the Friends of the Wissahickon and the Woodmere Art Museum.
James McNabb, an accomplished artist and woodworker, is known for his intricate cityscape-inspired wood sculptures. As vice president of Friends of Pastorius Park and co-chair of the Chestnut Hill Tree Tenders, he combines his artistic talents with a commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable community.
Daniel Preston, a creative professional specializing in visual communication, leads fundraising campaigns and branding initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania. His expertise in storytelling, digital media, and community engagement enhances the Conservancy’s ability to connect with its audience.
James Rice, a distinguished architect with over 40 years of experience, specializes in design, preservation, and adaptive reuse projects. His transformative contributions to sustainable design and urban planning and his work reflect a lifelong dedication to enhancing communities through thoughtful architecture.
In addition, the membership elected the 2025 Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC), which includes returning members Patricia Cove, Richard Bartholomew, Shirley Hanson, Matt Millan, Miles Orvell, William O’Keefe, Deborah Popky, and Randy Williams. James Rice joined as a new member, strengthening the group’s commitment to supporting the Conservancy’s preservation efforts.
Celebrating leadership transitions
Outgoing board president Eileen Javers, who will remain on the board, opened the evening with heartfelt remarks reflecting on her eight years of service as president and more than a decade of contributions to the Conservancy. She highlighted key accomplishments during her tenure and acknowledged the passing of community members, including former board member Charlie Dilks, who was honored at the 2024 Spring Gala for his dedication to environmental conservation. A moment of silence was held for all those lost, including former President Jimmy Carter, as the meeting coincided with his National Day of Mourning.
New executive director David Gest, officially on his fourth day on the job, was formally introduced during the meeting. Gest shared his vision for the Conservancy’s future in a presentation titled “Building on a Strong Foundation and Growing Sustainably.” David has dedicated his career to causes that align closely with the Conservancy’s mission. With decades of experience in city planning, law, nonprofit leadership, historic preservation, and community advocacy, Gest combines a deep respect for the past with a compelling vision for the future. Previously, he served as chief operating officer of Mural Arts Philadelphia, practiced law as a partner at Ballard Spahr LLP, and founded SquareSide, a consulting firm specializing in land use and city planning. Gest holds a J.D. from Columbia University, a Master of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.A. in Architecture from Yale University.
Financial overview and staff updates
First Vice President Bill Webster provided a brief financial overview, noting that revenues and expenses in 2024 were balanced at approximately $650,000.
Staff members also shared updates on the past year and plans for 2025. Curator and Archivist Alex Bartlett highlighted the addition of more than 5,000 new items to the Conservancy’s archives, now totaling over 52,000 pieces. Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson recapped the 21 public programs hosted in 2024, including the Night of Lights and Preservation Party, which engaged the community and drew over 625 volunteer hours. The Conservancy implemented new Landscape Conservation Software to monitor its 52 eased properties more efficiently. Conservation and Easements Manager Krista Gebbia also engaged in peer discussions and policy reviews to enhance stewardship practices. Development Manager Ashley Maass shared plans to diversify funding streams and expand partnerships in the coming year.
Looking ahead
Gest closed the meeting by reaffirming the Conservancy’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the historic, architectural, and natural resources of Chestnut Hill and the surrounding Wissahickon watershed.
For more details about the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s leadership, visit chconservancy.org/board.
