Staff
It's our pleasure to meet you
Alex Bartlett
Curator and Archivist
Alex@CHConservancy.Org
215-247-9329 x 206
Alex Bartlett arrived at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy in 2009 as a volunteer with a background in archaeology and collections management, and was hired as an Archivist soon after. A resident of the area for 40 years, he worked at a cultural resources firm for 12 years as an archaeologist, before returning to school to earn his Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the University of the Arts. Alex received his Bachelor of Arts from Temple University in Anthropology and Earth Sciences.
Chrissy Clawson
Programs and Communications Manager
Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org
215-247-9329 x 108
Chrissy Clawson is a marketing, events, and communications professional with years of experience in non-profits, the food industry, and the water sector. She has worked for multiple businesses within the Chestnut Hill business corridor, including most recently as the Interim Marketing and Events Director for the Chestnut Hill Business District. She is energized by the many creative outreach opportunities made possible by connecting Conservancy resources to her professional expertise and deep knowledge of the community. Chrissy has won national acclaim for her pastry recipes, is a gardener, a stationery lover, and is obsessed with her dog Yeats.
Krista Gebbia
Conservation and Easements Manager
Krista@CHConservancy.Org
215-247-9329 x 203
Krista joins the Conservancy after working in the preservation field in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Texas. She has served the profession in a variety of roles: architectural historian, nonprofit manager, and always as an advocate for the built and natural environment. Krista is excited to continue the great work of the Conservancy to preserve and sustain significant properties through the Easement Program. Krista is a native of Bucks County and currently lives in Chestnut Hill with her family. In addition to her passion for historic places, Krista supports efforts to provide food to the residents of Northwest Philadelphia and help children impacted by grief and addiction.Â
David Gest
Executive Director
David@CHConservancy.Org
215-247-9329 x 201
David Gest joined the Chestnut Hill Conservancy as Executive Director in January 2025, bringing a wealth of experience in city planning, law, nonprofit leadership, historic preservation, and community engagement. His career has included serving as Chief Operating Officer of Mural Arts Philadelphia, where he managed operations for the nation’s largest public art program, and practicing law as a Partner in Zoning and Land Use at Ballard Spahr LLP, where he advised on complex real estate and preservation projects and provided pro bono counsel to nonprofits. David began his career at a historic preservation consulting company in Los Angeles, and has also practiced zoning and land use law in New York City.
David holds a B.A. in Architecture (focusing on urban studies) from Yale University, a Master of City Planning (focusing on community and economic development) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, and a J.D. from Columbia University.
Outside of work, David enjoys hiking, camping, playing ultimate frisbee, and coaching youth sports. He is excited to lead the Conservancy in building on its 55-year legacy of protecting the Wissahickon watershed’s historic, architectural, and natural treasures.
Ashley Maass
Development Manager
Ashley@CHConservancy.Org
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Ashley joins the Conservancy after working in corporate and government affairs and serving on the Boards of several nonprofits in Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Throughout her career, she helped companies and nonprofits achieve their objectives through legislative advocacy, strategic partnerships, and fundraising. Ashley is excited to apply her skills to advance the mission of the Conservancy and to strengthen the organization’s fundraising and community engagement efforts. A Philadelphia native and University of Miami graduate, Ashley lives in a historic home in West Mt. Airy with her family. In her free time, she has coached youth soccer and supported the work of Mt Airy CDC.
Nathan Max
Associate Archivist
Nathan@CHConservancy.Org
215-247-9329 x 205
Nathan Max arrived at the Conservancy in 2018, in association with internships he completed with us while pursuing his history degree at Chestnut Hill College. He then continued volunteering with us for six years, as his schedule would permit. Nate lives locally in Oreland, so he is familiar with local geography and history. His study and interest in history is a significant part of his life; in his spare time, Nate participates in medieval re-enactments, historical fencing, and horsemanship. Nate is excited to be a part of our team at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and looks forward to helping the Conservancy in our Archives.