Board of Directors

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The CHCA Board of Directors is an all volunteer organization. Elections for Chestnut Hill Board of Directors are held annually. Board meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month (December excluded). Learn about our board's annual elections.


Laura Lucas - President
I have been a financial services, marketing and client relations senior executive for GMAC (17 years), PHH, Freedom Mortgage, Newbold Advisors, Selene Finance, Digital Risk and Bayview, and consulted for Bank of America, Chase, Texas based USAA, Vericrest/Caliber and Nationstar/Mr. Cooper before forming my own consulting company. As senior vice president and vice president for many of these groups, I have led transformations, operations and growth opportunities. I am also a hyperlocal influencer with a Facebook social media curated page and a following approaching 4,000 Chestnut Hill fans that I call Chestnut Hill Insiders. This allows me to celebrate all the things I love about Chestnut Hill.   

 I have been an active board member of the Community Association for a decade serving as President from 2016 to 2020 and VP of Operations from 2014 to 2016. I co-chair our Governance Committee. My biggest pride is overseeing our Green Space Initiatives which is a collaborative group of CHCA, Conservancy, Business District and green partners that oversees the 30 greenspaces in Chestnut Hill and a tree endowment fund. (You may have heard about our new trail on 10-acres at Mermaid Park with Friends of Cresheim Trail.) While CHCA President, I was a board member of the Business District boards. I am a board member of the Friends of Chestnut Hill Library, led the opening of Hilltop Books two years ago, and drive the twice annual Big Truck Book Sales to raise funds for our library. I have served on or chaired many of CHCA committees and fostered strong partnerships with our area community groups, businesses and institutions. Now in our 75^th year as an institution, I’d like to continue to build on these partnerships while strengthening the Local and membership efforts."

Jeff Duncan - VP of Operations Division

Jeffrey Duncan has lived on Summit Street in Chestnut Hill with his wife, Kristen Regina, since 2016.  They moved to Philadelphia from Washington, DC, when Kristen accepted a position as head of the library and archives at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

Currently, Jeffrey volunteers as Site Manager and Curator for the Naomi Wood Trust at Woodford Mansion.  He also volunteers as Ward Leader of the 9^th Ward Democratic Committee.   Prior to joining Woodford, Jeffrey was President of Duncan Government Strategies, LLC, a government relations and consulting firm.   Before founding his consulting business, he spent more than 30 years working as a Congressional staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, most of them working for Representative and then Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and by the end of his tenure, Duncan served as Chief of Staff to the Senator.  Duncan graduated from the University of Delaware in 1980, with majors in History and Political Science. 

Jeffrey’s interest in the Chestnut Hill Community Association grew out of his work with the neighbors concerned about the proposed redevelopment of the former Sunoco station at 10 Bethlehem Pike, and he has worked with the CHCA to support its appeal of the recent decision by the City’s Licensing and Inspection Office to approve the developer’s plan to erect a 33-unit apartment building on this site.  He has joined the CHCA Board to support the CHCA’s ongoing work to ensure that plans for this and other new developments in Chestnut Hill are compatible with the communities’ historic architectural fabric.
 

Matthew Rutt - V.P. of Physical Division

"My family and I have been in the Chestnut Hill community for over 15 years, originally in Wyndmoor and more recently in Chestnut Hill proper, where we fully renovated a historically significant home adjacent to Pastorius Park. Over the years, my family has become integrated into the area via its many institutions and resources such as church congregations, the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Chestnut Hill Historical Society, Chestnut Hill Youth Sports, Pastorius Park concerts, running/biking/hiking in the Wissahickon trails. I also am blessed to spend my working hours on the Hill as a tenant in the Kismet co-working office which allows me to walk the Hill most every day frequenting the various shops and restaurants (Baker Street especially!). Professionally, I am a licensed civil engineer who has spent the past 25 years in the world of land development design and permitting. I am the founder and president of a local civil engineering firm, Landcore Engineering Consultants, PC. I have consistently managed and grown the firm for the past 15-years. Accordingly, I have a deep understanding of matters such as land use, planning, zoning, permitting/regulations, stormwater and site design.

My wife Megan and I have chosen Chestnut Hill as the place to reside and raise our family. This choice was based on the unique quality of life that this area affords. I believe that the CHCA is a key stakeholder responsible for not only preserving that quality of life, but also to seek out ways to continually curate its evolution to ensure its longevity and relevance as times goes on. Accordingly, it is my desire to join the CHCA Board. I feel that my knowledge and experience, coupled with my investment in this area as my families’ home for many years to come makes me suited to this position. I welcome an opportunity to assist in the CHCA’s efforts by working thoughtfully and respectfully with other members on the important work and decisions that lie ahead.

I believe I can be of benefit to Chestnut Hill and be a positive influence in the community while representing the voice of Chestnut Hill. I can assist in providing clarity and understanding with regard to the many issues and situations facing Chestnut Hill. My involvement on the Board permits me to find opportunities to strategically align ourselves as a more interconnected and unified community." 


David Caulk - V.P. of Social Division

"My family and I joined the Chestnut Hill community in March 2020 after relocating from Chicago. My spouse, two lively boys—ages 5 and 3–and I, fell in love with the natural and built environment and the area’s eclectic character.

My professional passion lies in pursuing common goals among diverse stakeholders. I earned a BA from The University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Throughout my career I have worked with local and national governments, nonprofits, Fortune-500 companies, startups, academics, and entrepreneurs. Starting my career in financial management for the federal government, I soon moved to Chicago to build and run a boutique consulting firm called The Greatest Good. We helped clients run field experiments and design choice architectures to improve high-stakes decision-making. 

Currently, I am focused on raising my boys, independent consulting, and community-building through various projects, including building a library for the J.S. Jenks School. I admire the mission and recent work of the Chestnut Hill Community Association, and I am eager to collaborate with neighbors on initiatives that bring Chestnut Hill together."

Gregory Lattanzi - Secretary

Gregory D. Lattanzi, Ph.D. has been a Chestnut Hill Resident for 18 years ago. He and his wife fell in love with the community, people and culture of this historic slice of Philadelphia, and are raising their two children here. Gregory is an archaeologist with training cultural resource management, historic preservation and museum studies. Currently he serves as Curator of the Bureau of Archaeology at the New Jersey State Museum and is the New Jersey State Archaeologist. Greg has been most visible as the husband of Haviva Goldman, founding President of the Friends of JS Jenks. He is also a member of the East Mermaid Lane neighbors group.
 
Gregory's knowledge and experience in the field of historic preservation would be a great asset to the CHCA Board at a time when the community faces new challenges in conservation and development.


Jason Pierce - Treasurer


Tony Banks - At-Large

"I am a Vice President at Wolf Commercial Real Estate and leads WCRE’s retail practice in Pennsylvania. I focus on multiple area of commercial real estate in the Philadelphia and South Eastern Pa markets. Throughout my career, I have worked with local and national retail tenants, landlords, community and neighborhood development groups, investors, and startup companies. Before embarking upon a real estate career, I spent more than a decade on the trading floor of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, where I worked with some of the more prominent firms on the NYSE, including Goldman Sachs and Susquehanna International Group. As a part of the Chestnut Hill community, I believe in the CHCA and have admired the work they do. Whether through advocacy and bringing attention to important matters, they have truly captured the voice and heart of Chestnut Hill."


Tommy Bergstrom - At-Large

Tommy Bergstrom is an experienced nonprofit professional who possesses a deep love for community and all things Chestnut Hill. Tommy spent ten years working in higher education admissions guiding students and their supporters, including many Community-Based Organizations, through the college search and application process. His progression within this field at Franklin & Marshall College and University of Pennsylvania led him to become the Director of Visit Experience for Penn’s Undergraduate Admissions Visitor Center where he helped institute the Net Promoter Score (NPS a common customer service indicator and analysis process) in order to better understand the concerns, delights and everything in between from Penn’s diverse visitor constituents. Tommy and team were recently awarded Penn’s “Models of Excellence” award for their approach in creating a more caring and customer-service driven visit experience based on NPS data for the 80,000+ in-person visitors to Penn’s campus each year as well as their ability to compassionately support over 200 student ambassadors through the last few years of ever-changing in-person and virtual undergraduate life. Tommy also gained a Master of Science degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice which fed his interest in learning more about nonprofit strategy and success while launching him to a new career in fundraising. Tommy currently works in annual giving for The Penn Fund and in his short tenure, has helped to secure millions of dollars for undergraduate student life and financial aid through alumni donors.

Tommy, his husband, Levi, and their 9-year-old lab/hound mix, Roy, can be spotted most days around town enjoying Chestnut Hill’s many shops, eateries, and accessible green spaces. They have all (especially Roy) thoroughly enjoyed meeting new friends while out on walks, spending time speaking with fellow patrons as well as employees, owners, community-leaders and all-around supporters of Chestnut Hill’s vibrant institutions. Tommy hopes to join the CHCA to bring a helpful perspective in constituent engagement, events, fundraising and most importantly, to give back and help this ever- improving community that welcomed him and his family with such gracious open arms.
 

James Bruno - At -Large
Hello! Since the age of 10, I’ve lived in Chestnut Hill, Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill again! Growing up in a family of 7 boys and 2 girls, I attended Norwood Academy, LaSalle High and Temple University.

Since we were married in 1990, my wife Maureen Pié and I have lived on Summit Street here in Chestnut Hill where we raised our three children, Susannah, Will and Claire, who attended OMC, Norwood and JS Jenks. In fact all three have their names carved (legally!) on the Jenks playground fence.

Our family has been active in this community for decades. I served on the Chestnut Hill Youth Sports’ Board, and spent over 30 years with that organization, 25 years as a little league baseball coach and 5 years as the baseball commissioner. I was also one of the parents who founded our girls’ intramural soccer program and I coached girls’ softball and soccer.

In other activities, I was the first president of Teenagers’ Inc., and helped them obtain their 501(c)(3) status. For over a decade Maureen and I were volunteers at the Germantown-based Inn Dwelling, Inc., a program where Brother Al Smith and Sister Rosemary Jefferson have tutored gifted at-risk middle- and high school students, assisting them with admission and scholarships to elite high schools and universities. At their Annual Gala in 2019 Maureen and I were honored for their years of service.

As next-door neighbors to the proposed 33-unit apartment building at 10 Bethlehem Pike we have been working closely with members of the Community Association Board and LUPZ. I have been impressed by the effort and dedication the CHCA is bringing to improving the project so that it will be better incorporated into the fabric of our vibrant and beautiful neighborhood. I have been reminded of the good work the CHCA has done over its many years before and since Maureen was a member of the board in the ‘90s. I want to serve alongside these community conscious people.


Kathi Clayton - At-Large

Lindsey D'Angelo

Hello! I am a current resident of Chestnut Hill, having moved here 9 years ago with my husband, Ryan Umberger. We are enjoying raising our 5 year old daughter, Margot and newborn, August, on the avenue, at Pastorius Park, Jenks playground, and of course, frequenting all local cafes and restaurants!

 Professionally, I have been a governance, risk, and control professional within the financial industry for 14 years. I have spent most of my career in internal audit professional practices and technology management at a big bank, managing communications between multiple parties to resolve issues is a daily occurrence.

I have done one prior term on the CHCA Board from 2017-2020, and have volunteered to assist in organizing or co-chairing events such as the Circle of Trees and the Great House Tours. 

As a member of the community and raising two children here, I’d like be as involved as possible. Ideally I can help provide more for our neighbors, whether it be through green space initiatives, organizing events and family activities, or just providing a voice for our community members. Currently, our home has been in the center of major construction activities. As a result, ensuring neighbors are in the know and have appropriate say when they are impacted by current events in the community is something I am passionate about.

Joyce Lenhardt - At-Large

"As the convening RCO for Chestnut Hill, the CHCA has the responsibility to bring the other RCOs together to evaluate development projects in our community that require variances. As an architect and over 30-year resident of Chestnut Hill, I have perspective on what is appropriate for the community and the knowledge of the way the City operates. 
 
I have been involved with the CHCA for many years and in many capacities, as a member of the Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee, as a Board member and Physical Division Vice President and co-chair of the Chestnut Hill Conservation, Preservation and Development Study among others.
 
As much as we would like to control development directly, we must operate under the City's rules. I believe that we should work with our Councilperson to create an overlay for Chestnut Hill that allows for appropriate development. Currently we are subject to rules that apply to the entire City. We need rules that are tailored to our Community. 
 
Obviously, Chestnut Hill is a desirable place to live – and because the minimum lot sizes in Philadelphia are so small, there is space to squeeze in more units without triggering the need for zoning variances. 
 
Ideally Chestnut Hill will find a way to protect what we have and provide for appropriate growth. Some increased density in the right places is good – it helps support community and the business district. However, it needs to be done sensitively – and without destroying our historic resources. Destruction is not just demolition, it is changing the patterns and spacing of buildings, removing heritage trees, adding buildings that don’t respect the historic architecture. We have something very special here and sometimes it is hard to define – which makes it hard to protect.
 
We need to be loud and clear with the City during the Remapping Process and beyond to get support to implement strategies to protect what we have and guide our future."


Larry McEwen - At Large

"I have a 25-year, Chestnut Hill-based architectural practice, and am an Adjunct Professor at Thomas Jefferson University East Fall’s Center for Architecture & the Built Environment.  My practice has been recognized for work at historically significant sites including Wyck, Druim Moir, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields EC, where we have assisted organizations and individuals to achieve their aspirations and enhance connections with their respective communities.  In 35 years of adjunct teaching at first Drexel U and now Jefferson East Falls I have taught several generations of students, focusing on the interdependent relationship of built form and landscape, a design attitude consistent with the great physical strength and beauty of Chestnut Hill. 
 
I have been involved in community service since moving here in 1990, and continue to apply my professional expertise as a practicing architect and teacher, and the experience of 29 years on the Land Use Planning & Zoning Committee, to find mutually beneficial solutions to planning issues that confront our Community.  As we engage with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission on the upcoming zoning re-mapping of Chestnut Hill, I look forward to ensuring that the Board has a strong voice in balancing appropriate patterns of development with enforceable protections for our historic buildings and landscape."


Jenny McHugh - At-Large

"As a leader and professional in institutional advancement, I have supported the mission of secondary education for over 25 years.  As a graduate of Trinity College, I earned the distinction of Presidential Fellow. I have served as Director of Institutional Advancement/Director of Development at Springside School and SCH Academy for over 20 years where I have led all aspects of the advancement program, building a national reputation for the school.  As a result of the merger of Springside School and Chestnut Hill Academy in 2012, I strongly supported the merger vision and implemented key development-related goals to effect change while recognizing the importance of honoring the traditions of both institutions.  During this time of change, my strategic vision and institutional knowledge eased the transition of a new Head of School and I worked to implement a successful entrance plan while continuing to sustain and manage a fundraising program that significantly exceeded expectations."


Camille Peluso - At-Large

"I have been a resident of Chestnut Hill for 26 years and a practicing architect for 40 years. I am dedicated to creating buildings and places which embrace the past as well as look to the future. I greatly respect the unique quality and history of our village and would work tirelessly to maintain the character of this community which has made it one of the most desirable places to live in the city.

I am the principal of a full service architectural and interior design firm, Camille Peluso Architects, LLC. Established in 2005, the practice focuses on Corporate Institutions, including Government, Financial and Workplace Environments as well as Health Care, Retail, and Residential projects. My firm is certified with the Women Business Enterprise National Council.

I am also a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Women’s Committee and a member of the managing committee of the Carpenter’s Company of Philadelphia.

Having chosen Chestnut Hill as my home to raise a family, I am dedicated to the stewardship of this historic village. Please join me in working to keep the quality of our community and guiding it into the future."

J. Ross Pilling - At-Large

"I have deep, multi-generational roots in Chestnut Hill. I have operated a conservation based real estate practice here for 28 years, facilitating major land acquisition transactions for a “Fortune 5“ company, national conservation organizations, a private client base as well as for federal, state, county and local entities. I have served as Chairman of the Board of the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust and Board Secretary to the Montgomery County Lands Trust. As a Board member of the Montgomery County Planning Commission, I have had the opportunity to review every major proposed infrastructure and land development project in the County over a four-year tenure. I have worked for commercial/industrial developers in the Philadelphia area as well as serving as Vice President and Director of Land Development for a local trust company. My master’s degree in planning from the University of Pennsylvania has not limited me from learning many different aspects of the real estate market over a span of almost 40 years. I am beginning to enjoy the concept of semi-retirement albeit I can’t seem to let go of interesting projects like continuing to serve as a Board member of the Community Association."


Christina Reichert - At Large

"I am a freelance Spanish language interpreter. I mainly work in hospital settings but I also interpret in community settings such as community centers and schools all over the Delaware Valley. I spent 25 years as a Spanish and English as a Second Language teacher in and around Philadelphia. I have been a resident of Chestnut Hill for 7 years but grew up right above the Valley Green Inn just over the Wissahickon, so I’ve known Chestnut Hill since I was a child. Since I moved here I have volunteered in many settings such as the Hilltop Bookstore to benefit the Free Library of Philadelphia Chestnut Hill Branch, Pastorius Park Summer Concert Series, Friends of Jenks Library and many other volunteer opportunities for both the CHCA and the Chestnut Hill Conservancy. As a resident of Chestnut Hill, I believe in the CHCA and have admired the work they do."



Lynn Schroeder - At-Large

"What a great pleasure to live in our Chestnut Hill neighborhood, and, now in my second term as a board member, a privilege to continue to serve and contribute to the Chestnut Hill Community Association  Board of Directors. Our village is a diverse and vibrant part of the Philadelphia scene. The CHCA serves to strengthen our community voice and encourages and welcomes input from all members.
 
I hold degrees from West Chester, Lehigh, and Arcadia University and have been rewarded with a 32 year career in the field of Special Education as both a teacher and administrator. As a retiree and empty nester, my husband JR and I love strolling the Avenue with our dog Murphy."

Eric Shelton

Hello! I’ve been a resident in the Chestnut Hill community for the past four years, where my girlfriend and I make Abington Avenue our home. I have been fortunate enough to watch our community grow, have fallen in love with the Wissahickon, and am a regular at our local restaurants and coffee shops. I'm running for the CHCA board because I feel the shared responsibility to contribute to our community and feel I can contribute a unique skillset to support the organization's mission to "grow a stronger community together."

Professionally, I'm a strategist and designer with Vanguard and an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University. My work with Vanguard focuses on large-scale, long-term strategic decisions that unite diverse stakeholders in pursuit of common goals. I teach interaction design at Rutgers, or rather, how to effectively communicate via the web. Both experiences require a deep level of understanding, problem solving, and empathy that I will bring to the CHCA and community at large.

Earlier in my career I worked at architecture firm Gensler, leading a variety of projects in real estate branding, environmental design, and strategy that worked closely with neighborhood groups, developers, and tenants to ensure success—my crown jewel being the renovation work on 550 Madison Ave., NYC. The building is a Philip Johnson-designed landmark-designated skyscraper, where ensuring historical preservation but modern use was crucial. I’m also the longest standing board member on The University of the Arts' Alumni Council. 

I have benefited from and believe in the Chestnut Hill way of life, close knit community, and rich history that is truly unique, special, and worth preserving. It's time for me to give back to the place that's given me so much. Not only does the CHCA protect and preserve that quality of life we love so much, it is also key to usher evolution, ensuring its relevance, charm, and importance for decades to come. 

With my unique background, I believe that I can bring clarity to complex issues Chestnut Hill regularly faces. I'm excited at the opportunity to grow our strong community together and I’m confident in my ability to do just that. 

Lindsey Toconita - At-Large

"I grew up in the Hudson Valley, NY and attended the University of Delaware. Upon graduating, I relocated to the greater Philadelphia area for my career and for the past 9 years, I have been proud to call the magical place that is Chestnut Hill my home.  After spending more than a decade in financial technology sales for a global banking institution, I now co-own Lock & Key Group which is a boutique collective of like-minded Keller Williams real estate agents serving Philadelphia and the surrounding areas - one of my favorite parts of my job as a real estate agent is getting to experience and tour all of the unbelievable homes in & around our neighborhood, and getting to know the people who live in them.  My children currently attend Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, where I served as the Treasurer of the Parent’s Association for the past two years.  Raising my two children with my husband, Marcus, in this community is an absolute joy and now in my second term as a board member,  I look forward to continuing as one of the voices that makes our community so special." 

Henry Trapnell - At-Large

Henry Trapnell and his husband, Judson, reside in a historical home on East Bells Mill Road in Chestnut Hill. Henry has a deep commitment to his community and a strong desire to serve. His professional background in technology at Google and finance at JP Morgan cultivated a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing modern communities. Henry believes in the importance of financial responsibility and innovation to build strong and sustainable neighborhoods.

As a lover of DIY projects, animals, and a novice gardener, Henry is passionate about local ecology and sustainable practices. He previously served as treasurer for his co-op board in Brooklyn, NY, where he managed finances and ensured that all residents had a say in the governance of their building.

Henry's education at Boston University and Stanford University, including an MBA, also prepared him to think critically and creatively about complex problems. He is excited to apply these skills to the challenges facing Chestnut Hill and work with his fellow residents to build a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community.

Henry is eager to bring his passion for Chestnut Hill to the Chestnut Hill Community Association and work with others to build a brighter future for the community.

Why do you want to join the CHCA Board?

"I'm really excited about joining the Chesnut Hill Community Association (CHCA) board. I have a strong passion for community development, especially in the fields of gardening, historical architecture and outdoor activities. Leaning on my background in tech and financial services, I can bring valuable expertise to help shape the future of our neighborhood. I believe in making our community inclusive, diverse, and sustainable, and I'm eager to introduce and/or reinforce eco-friendly initiatives at Morris Arboretum as well as efforts to support the Woodmere Museum.

Joining the CHCA board will not only provide me with personal growth opportunities but also the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals and expand my professional network. Overall, I am truly dedicated to empowering our community and believe that my expertise in financial services and technology, commitment to diversity and sustainability, and active involvement in community events make me a great fit for the CHCA board. I can't wait to contribute to the betterment of our beloved neighborhood."


Richard Tuttle - At-Large

Richard Tuttle has been a resident of Chestnut Hill since 2016, and a resident of Mt. Airy and Flourtown since the 1980’s.  He is an attorney with considerable experience counseling non-profit organizations, and has been involved in a wide variety of charitable efforts over the years.  During the past year, he has provided advice and support to the ad hoc Light Up the Tower committee (of which his wife, Lucie Daigle, is a member), and has been a volunteer in many CHCA activities and efforts since 2016.  He believes that Chestnut Hill is a special place, and, as a Board member, will do his utmost to support the CHCA’s continuing efforts to sustain and improve our community.


Beth Wright - At-Large

Elizabeth “Beth” Wright has lived in Chestnut Hill with her husband, Fabrizio Franco, for nineteen years. She has served on the CHCA Board of Directors for two years and an additional three-year term will allow her to continue her work on quality of life issues facing the Community.

Neighbors may know her best as the coordinator of the Highland Station Native Gardens initiative where she led neighbors, SEPTA, and the Chestnut Hill Community Association, in creating an oasis for pollinators and the enjoyment of the community. The Chestnut Hill West Station is next on the line!

Beth’s advocacy work in Chestnut Hill began with the 30 W. Highland Neighbors Steering Committee, a neighbor-led effort that worked to address community concerns about the size and scope of the 8-townhome development whose owner was seeking approval of a variance by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).  

A former professional fundraiser, her career in Philadelphia has included leadership development roles with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts and Sciences and the Curtis Institute of Music.

APPOINTED INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Janel Baselice - John S. Jenks School

Jonene Nelson - Business Improvement District

Tausha Saunders  - Chestnut Hill Hospital


Anne Standish  - Woodmere Art Museum