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.
Chestnut Hill Community Association - Board of Directors - 2023
This year there are 7 board seats open and we have received 7 nominations. All seven nominees will advance directly to the board.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Tommy Bergstrom
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.
Henry Trapnell
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
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.
RENEWING BOARD MEMBERS
Laura Lucas
: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 75th year as an institution, I’d like to continue to build on these partnerships while strengthening the Local and membership efforts. "
Lynn Schroeder
"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."
Lindsey Toconita
"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." 
Beth Wright
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 MEMBER
Sarah Louise Hale
Sarah Louise Hale serves as the Manager of Annual Giving at Chestnut Hill College. In this role, Sarah leads the Griffin Fund (unrestricted annual giving program) for the College, emphasizing participation and donor engagement at all giving levels. In addition, Sarah is focused on developing external relationships and finding creative partnerships to elevate the CHC brand and strengthen community engagement.
With more than 30 years of experience, Sarah has an extensive background in fundraising, communications, and marketing. Prior to joining Chestnut Hill College, Sarah held positions as Managing Director of Philanthropy for Carson Valley Children’s Aid, and, most recently, as Director of Institutional Advancement at Archbishop Wood Catholic High School in Warminster, PA. Sarah began her career in marketing in New York City, working with Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations and then MKPR Public Relations before serving as Affiliate Sales and Marketing Manager for both Showtime Networks and Comedy Central.
Sarah is proud to say she was “raised” in the Woodmere Art Museum as her mother is an artist and was very active at the Woodmere and in the Philadelphia art community.
CHCA 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathi Clayton President
Term Expiration - 2023
"Chestnut Hill is a unique historic neighborhood that is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. My greatest concern is that we carefully maintain those qualities that have drawn all of us to this place. As we grow, development is inevitable and necessary for every community to thrive and survive. However, that development must be very diligently managed with our primary focus on historic preservation and conservation of the natural resources of the Wissahickon Valley. It is absolutely vital that we not lose the very qualities that have made Chestnut Hill the Chestnut Hill we all know and love.
For 29 years I have built a career in the financial services industry and was a partner at a firm that managed substantial assets. At this point, I now have the time and energy to focus my passion for Chestnut Hill into helping this community carefully manage the growth we all know is coming in a fashion that protects and preserves our most important assets: This beautiful natural environment and nationally important historic district."
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."
Matthew Rutt At-Large
Term Expiration - 2025
"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."
Richard Bartholomew
Chestnut Hill Conservancy
Janel Baselice
John S. Jenks School
Catherine Brzozowski
Chestnut Hill Hospital
Executive Committee
Ron Pete
Business Improvement District
Anne Standish
Woodmere Art Museum
