| If you’re having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online. Celebrating Leadership and Looking Ahead Meet the Conservancy’s Next Board President Earlier today, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy announced that architect, board member, and longtime community volunteer Jean McCoubrey, AIA, will serve as the next President of the Board of Directors beginning Aug. 1, 2026. Dan Preston will serve as Vice President.   Jean McCoubrey (top) and Dan Preston (bottom). This transition comes at an exciting moment for the organization as we continue implementing our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and expand our work in preservation, conservation, archives, advocacy, and community engagement throughout Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed. Many members know Jean through her years of service to the Conservancy and the broader community. Since joining the Board in 2019, she has helped guide public programs, strategic planning efforts, sustainability initiatives, and facilities planning. Dan has likewise played an important role in advancing the Conservancy’s mission through his leadership of the Collections Committee, helping increase the visibility and relevance of the Conservancy’s archives through exhibitions, collections initiatives, and public engagement. Read the leadership announcement  We are also deeply grateful to Bill Webster for his leadership and service as Board President. During his tenure, the Conservancy completed its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, creating a roadmap that will guide our work for years to come.David Gest and Bill Webster.The Conservancy’s Board page will be updated to reflect the leadership transition on Aug. 1. Looking ahead, please save the date for the Conservancy’s Community Listening Session on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Additional details will be shared soon. Thank you for your continued support of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and our mission to conserve, preserve, and celebrate the history, architecture, and landscapes of Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed. Learn More About Jean McCoubrey: Alongside today’s leadership announcement, we’ve published a new feature article titled Jean McCoubrey: Building for What Comes Next.  Jean and Dan McCoubrey. Photo courtesy of Jean McCoubrey. The article explores Jean’s architectural background, decades of community involvement, and the experiences that have shaped her approach to preservation, planning, and stewardship in Chestnut Hill and Northwest Philadelphia. From helping create the Jenks playground to leading sustainability initiatives and public programs, the story offers a closer look at the person who will help guide the Conservancy’s next chapter. Read the feature article Thank you for being part of the Conservancy community. The work we do—from preserving historic places and landscapes to caring for the archives and presenting public programs—is possible because of the support, engagement, and generosity of members, donors, and supporters like you. As we continue implementing our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, your voice remains an important part of that process. We hope you’ll join us for upcoming programs and events, and save the date for our Community Listening Session on Wednesday, Aug. 5, where community members will help inform future preservation and conservation priorities while learning about the broad range of tools available to recognize and protect historic resources. 215-247-9329 | 8708 Germantown Avenue, Phila., PA 19118 | info@chconservancy.org |
