January 22, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chrissy Clawson, 215-247-9329 x108; chrissy@chconservancy.org
Three New Directors Elected to the Chestnut Hill Conservancy Board
Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s 2024 Annual Meeting
Philadelphia, PA — The Chestnut Hill Conservancy held its 2024 Annual Membership Meeting at Norwood Fontbonne Academy on Friday, January 18, where members attended in person and virtually elected three new Directors and re-elected five. Re-elected Board members are Steve Gendler, Susan Jacobson, Nancy Newman, Deborah Popky, and Paul Toner. Like the Conservancy’s current Directors, the new Directors – Robert “Rob” Fleming, R. Scott Hanson, and Federico Mingozzi – bring a passion for the Chestnut Hill area, long support and participation in Conservancy and community work, and interests and expertise in several areas relevant to the organization’s mission.
Rob Fleming, a resident of Chestnut Hill for almost fifty years, is a highly respected landscape architect with a professional degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His extensive experience includes projects along Germantown Avenue, restoration of the gardens at Krisheim, and collaborations with the Friends of Pastorius Park. Rob’s involvement in the community extends to serving on the Vestry of the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, boards of the Highlands Historical Society and Morris Arboretum, and as Chair of the Wyck Association. As a dedicated Conservancy volunteer, Rob contributes to the Preservation and Program committees, easement monitoring, and has curated exhibits showcasing the area’s rich history.
- Scott Hanson, a Chestnut Hill resident for the past 15 years, is a senior scholar in Urban History and Material Culture at Drexel University. With a Ph.D. in History of Culture from the University of Chicago, Scott specializes in American urban history, immigration, religion, oral history, and public history. His extensive background includes teaching roles at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. Scott’s contributions to exhibits on Thomas Jefferson’s years in Philadelphia and his work on projects like “Seeing Philadelphia” and “Electrified” demonstrate his commitment to preserving and sharing the city’s cultural heritage.
Federico Mingozzi, currently the Chief Executive Officer of a startup biotechnology company in Philadelphia, brings a strong scientific background to the Conservancy’s Board. With previous roles as Chief Scientific Officer at Spark Therapeutics and experience in biology from the University of Ferrara, Federico has made significant contributions to the field. His passion for Chestnut Hill is evident in his active involvement as a treasurer and board member of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. Federico’s commitment to nature preservation and sustainable development aligns with the
Conservancy’s goals, reflected in the easement on his property and his dedication to maintaining the unique charm of Chestnut Hill.
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy looks forward to the contributions of the newly elected Directors and re- elected Board members, as well as the continued collaboration with the HDAC, in preserving the rich heritage and character of Chestnut Hill.
In addition to Director elections, the Conservancy membership also elected members of the 2024 Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC). The current HDAC members include Richard Bartholomew, Patricia Cove (chair), Shirley Hanson, Eileen Javers, Matt Millan, William O’Keefe Jr., Miles Orvell, Deborah Popky, William Webster, and Randy Williams.
Read about the Conservancy’s Board of Directors at chconservancy.org/board and learn more about the HDAC at chconservancy.org/hdac.
About the Chestnut Hill Conservancy:
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is an educational center and leading advocate for the architecture, open space, and social history of Chestnut Hill and surrounding communities in the Wissahickon watershed.
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