The following 14 candidates are running for a seat on the Chestnut Hill Community Association Board of Directors. This year a total of 11 seats are available; the top eight vote-getters will win 3-year terms and the next three vote-getters will win 1-year terms. Members of the CHCA may cast their vote using the ballot form that will be available in future print copies off the Chestnut Hill Local. The ballot form is also available at www.chestnuthill.org. The candidates were asked to describe themselves and why they are seeking a seat on the board. They appear below in the same order in which they appear on the ballot. Ballot order was determined by random drawing.

Remy Lorenzon Pizzichini

Born and raised in Chestnut Hill, living as third generation in a family-built home, I represent a family that has built, supported, and lived in this area for over a century. From the time my great-grandparents arrived in 1906 from a small town in Northern Italy, Chestnut Hill has been home. Stone masons by trade, my great-grandfather and his brothers established a masonry construction business that built many notable structures in Chestnut Hill: Chestnut Hill Hospital, the Chestnut Hill Branch of the Philadelphia Library, and multiple residences throughout the area. I am looking forward to being a board member of the Chestnut Hill Community Association. My strong passion for family, community, and lasting relationships will influence my commitment to Chestnut Hill. As a wife and mother, I fully understand the importance of an active and thriving community comprised of family values, community awareness, and acceptance of diversity. As a local Realtor, I have the proven ability to connect with people so that I may successfully fulfill their dreams. As a participating member of the CHCA and a part of the 2013 and 2014 Holiday House Tour Committees, I immediately became drawn to the interaction and positive contributions of the community members. I have also volunteered at the Fall for the Arts Festival, an event I have cherished since childhood. I am looking forward to contributing in the traditions Chestnut Hill has already established, as well as offering new ideas for positive community growth. My long-term commitment to serve the community, while building strong relationships, and now representing the "collective" vision of Chestnut Hill as a Board member is a natural progression for myself, my family, and my community. With your support I will continue to devote my time, talent, energy, and dedication to Chestnut Hill. Dan Pulka A Pennsylvania native, I’ve been a resident of Chestnut Hill since 2005. I’m the Chief Marketing Officer of Pepper Hamilton LLP, a large national law firm headquartered here in Philadelphia. I lead a team responsible for all of the firm’s marketing and business development activities. I hold a B.S.J. in Advertising from the Reed School of Media at West Virginia University, and am a graduate of Leadership Philadelphia’s Core Program. My experience with Leadership Philadelphia – the region’s premier training ground for non-profit board members – taught me that I have a passion for community service, and it reaffirmed my belief that through hard work, collaboration and creativity, much can be accomplished. I’m eager to apply the knowledge I gained from Leadership Philadelphia to this civic endeavor to help ensure that Chestnut Hill is a neighborhood that continues to flourish and grow. I’m running for the CHCA Board of Directors because I believe more diversity of voice is needed in CHCA leadership. I’d be honored to offer a new perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face as a community. As a board member, I’ll be an advocate for the residents of Chestnut Hill, who understands the symbiotic relationship between commerce and community, and the importance of cultivating that partnership so that Chestnut Hill remains one of Philadelphia’s most desirable places to live and work. I believe when we fail to honor the traditions of our rich, vibrant past, or the beauty of our village-within-a-city, we put at risk what makes our community truly one-of-a-kind. As a board member, I’ll advocate for common-sense solutions that protect Chestnut Hill’s historical significance, while also allowing for future growth. In my professional life, I strive to keep the big picture in mind while taking a pragmatic approach to resolving issues. I would welcome the opportunity to strike that same balance in my work as a CHCA board member and humbly ask for your vote. Bob Boyer I currently reside in Chestnut Hill. I am a Director with Credit Suisse serving as a Senior Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager. I am an active member of the Morris Arboretum, Chestnut Hill Historical Society, Friends of the Wissahickon, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and a variety of other non-profit and philanthropic organizations within the local community. My intention to become a CHCA board member emanates from my passion for preservation of the beauty of the community and its architectural integrity as well as maintaining the quality of life for its residents.   Jack McMeekin   My interest in serving on the Board of Directors of the Chestnut Hill Community Association is partly to give back for having enjoyed living and raising my family in Chestnut Hill for all of these years, and wanting to do anything I can to ensure that our community retains its unique character for generations to come. As a lifelong Philadelphian, I hoped that someday I might be fortunate enough to live in this great community. That opportunity came in 1983 when my wife and I bought our home on West Bells Mill Road. Our three sons grew up here and, although they now live outside of Chestnut Hill, they never miss the opportunity for a Schmitter at McNally’s. I am a proud graduate of Penn State and hold a Masters Degree from Penn Wharton School. After a wonderful 38-year career in healthcare management I retired and now have the pleasure of serving on local community boards, including Northwest Human Services, Green Tree Community Health Foundation, successor to Chestnut Hill Hospital, and work with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton. Lily, my Golden Retriever, and I regularly walk up and down Germantown Avenue. It would be hard not to sense the vibrancy of our town, with its new stores and restaurants, and safe and friendly streets. We are indeed lucky to live here and I want to do anything I can to keep it that way for our kids and theirs. Thank you for your consideration. Karl Martin I have been proud to call Philadelphia home since 2007. Since moving to Chestnut Hill three years ago I have been impressed by the quality of life we enjoy “on the Hill.” We are very fortunate to have the variety of parks, shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces all within walking distance of our front doors. On a personal note, I am employed as a Finance Director with AT&T where I have worked for the past 20 years. I enjoy cooking, gardening, biking, walking in the Wissahickon, and watching the Phillies (mostly when they are winning).    My interest in community service began a few years ago after reading an article in the Chestnut Hill Local about the issues facing the firehouse on Highland Avenue. Based on that article, I joined the Chestnut Hill Firehouse Coalition (CHFC) as a representative of the immediate neighbors. The CHFC is a committee of local community leaders, historic preservationists, business owners, and concerned neighbors working together with the City of Philadelphia to maintain and preserve our beloved fire station. As a CHFC member, I strive to listen and understand the diverse views and opinions of my neighbors and then work with the committee to help create solutions that are best for most while harming the least.  I would now like to offer any problem solving and collaboration skills I may have to the Chestnut Hill Community Association.   Dan Compton I have been a resident and an insurance broker in the Chestnut Hill area for over 35 years. I was born and raised in Philadelphia and attended parochial grade and high schools in the city. I am a United States Marine Corps veteran, having served from 1968 to 1971 in military intelligence in the U.S. and Southeast Asia. After my military service, I attended college at night while working full time during the day, and graduated from St. Joseph's College. My wife and I have raised three daughters in Chestnut Hill. I coached the Chestnut Hill Fathers Club 11-13 year old traveling girls softball team for eight years, and for the past 12 years I've been treasurer of the annual Chestnut Hill July 4th Celebration. I'm running for a seat on the CHCA board because I feel it is not only my duty, but my obligation, to serve the community that has for many years made me proud to call Chestnut Hill my home. In the past 30 years I've seen many neighborhoods decline in the Philadelphia area due to lack of civic pride and participation from their residents. I do not want this to happen to our neighborhood since I have a vested interest in the community, not only as a property owner and a business owner, but also as my chosen destination for retirement. Julie Byrne Hello! I’m a British transplant who has lived in Chestnut Hill for the past 13 years. I work as a Pharmacovigilance Scientist for a large pharmaceutical company, where I’m responsible for protecting the safety of our patients. Enthusiasm, pragmatism, attention to detail, and the ability to "make things happen" are all essential skills for success in my chosen career.   In my spare time I support animal charities and have three rescue pets. I’m a Flyers fan and proud season ticket holder. I also enjoy the theatre, ballet, live music, and playing the piano. My love of music led me to the Pastorius Park Concerts where I’ve been a volunteer for the past 10 seasons. I now chair the concert series, so I’m busy preparing for this year's summer season as we speak. It’s going to be an exciting one! Helping at Pastorius was the slippery slope that led me to the Community Association. I’ve been on the Board for several years and have greatly enjoyed supporting the lively, vibrant community we all love. It's exciting to see the CHCA Board bring together a diverse group of people who are united by the desire to promote and improve our community. During my tenure on the Board I’ve volunteered my time to contribute to the success of many events including the concert series, the Blood Drive, the Police and Fireman’s picnic, the Black & White Gala, the Holiday House Tour, the Holiday Parade. I’ve served as Vice President for the Social Division and also on the Bylaws Committee, where I’m helping to document the bylaw changes that will support the CHCA’s transition to charitable status. With your support I hope to continue giving back to our community and working to keep Chestnut Hill special!

Michelle Sage

I am a relatively recent addition to Chestnut Hill. Having relocated from Miami Shores, Florida, I am currently a stay-at-home mother to my two daughters, Haydn and Raphaella, who attend William Penn Charter School. My past occupations have been in interior design, commercial real estate, and running a family business. I have a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Miami. I feel quite privileged to have found Chestnut Hill as a home for myself and my family. Chestnut Hill is an exceptional place. Architecturally, it is stunning. The mixture of styles -- Victorian gingerbread, English cottage, French Norman -- that mesh so well with postmodernism is a perfect example of what makes Chestnut Hill so precious to me. All the while bordering the intense beauty of Fairmount Park. A mix of old and new, nature and architecture really surprise and delight at every turn. However what really makes Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy so amazing are the people. From shopping on Germantown Avenue to exploring the Wissahickon, the people I have encountered have been smart, funny, and unique. I love this area and that prompted me to get involved in the community. I have chaired and worked with many non-profit committees in the past and can bring that experience as well as my business and architectural background to the Chestnut Hill Community Association. I feel the Association has the unique ability to make this a better place to live, work, and enjoy life. Christopher Padova I would like to thank the community for allowing me to represent them on the Chestnut Hill Community Association (CHCA) Board of Directors. I have spent most of my life as a member of the Chestnut Hill community. I attended Norwood Academy for elementary school and Chestnut Hill Academy for high school. Recognizing all that has been given to me in life, and always believing in the importance of community involvement and a well-mannered and considerate regard for the public, is what drives my desire to serve the community. Currently, I am on loan from Independence Blue Cross and am working with the World Meeting of Families to help bring our Holy Father, Pope Francis, to Philadelphia. While on the board I have seen many changes within the CHCA and have worked with many good people. I have seen the size of the board reduced and election policy changed for the better. Currently I am Vice President for the Social Division and serve on the Bylaws Committee and Town Watch. The Bylaws Committee is in the process of drafting two new sets of bylaws. One set would allow the CHCA to become a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Pennsylvania corporation, and the second set will allow the Chestnut Hill Local to remain a Delaware corporation and run in a more streamlined manner. Once the new proposed bylaws are completed, the board will post the proposed bylaws and hope the entire membership reads them, discusses them, and votes to become a 501(c)(3). I hope that you will allow me to continue to represent you and work for you as a member of the CHCA board. Andy Kite Having lived in Chestnut Hill for the past several years, I understand that the quality of life we enjoy here in Philadelphia’s “Garden District” doesn’t happen magically – it is the result of the efforts of many hard-working people and institutions, such as the Chestnut Hill Community Association. The CHCA is an integral part of balancing the visions, expectations, and demands of those of us who cherish this neighborhood. My interest in serving on the CHCA Board of Directors springs from my desire to give back to my community. In my previous neighborhood of Mt. Airy, I served as Vice-President of Carpenters Woods Town Watch. Through my position as Accounting Manager for NSM Insurance Group I have been involved with the SHARE Food Program, the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, and the Irish Pub Foundation Tour de Shore, the latter organization honoring me as their 2014 Volunteer of the Year. I believe we must act as wise guardians of and enthusiastic advocates for this remarkable place we call home. As a community we must navigate a path that respects diverse viewpoints, safeguards our historic environment, and allows for future growth. I can bring new input, passion, and a fresh perspective to the CHCA Board of Directors. I would appreciate being given this opportunity to work for our community. Tony Reilly I have enjoyed working in Chestnut Hill for over six years now and have served on the Chestnut Hill Community Association Board of Directors for the past four. Three of those years I’ve had the honor to serve as Treasurer. My background is in accounting and finance and I have been a Certified Public Accountant since 1997. My professional experience includes auditing, accounting, taxation, and management advisory services for both the not-for-profit and for profit sectors in a variety of industries, while my recent experience has focused on real estate management and development. If elected, I hope to serve the Chestnut Hill community by bringing my extensive background in budgeting, treasury, fiduciary responsibility, and management as well as a strong work ethic in all that I do for the CHCA. In the years I have been here I have enjoyed being involved with the CHCA on a professional level as well as on a personal level by spending time with my wife and three boys at the festivals and some of the many different community sponsored events. I look forward to the opportunity to become more involved with the Chestnut Hill community by giving my time serving on the board and volunteering where needed. I feel that the CHCA has made great strides in promoting the community in the last few years and my ultimate goal is to continue to see Chestnut Hill grow and prosper for future generations. Laura Lucas I’m running again and hope I can count on your vote. My background is in residential mortgage lending, servicing, finance, reengineering, risk management, and marketing. I’m a Senior Vice President with Selene Finance and have held prior executive and consultant roles with leading financial companies such as GMAC, PHH Mortgage, Freedom, Bank of America, USAA, Nationstar, and Vericrest. I’m a transplant from the Midwest and have lived in Chestnut Hill for 9 years. I have been involved with the Community Association for 4 years. I am a doer and leader, so a vote for me is a vote to get things done. I am currently VP for Operations. I have co-chaired the Fund Drive and Grants process for 3 years and been part of the Committee for 4 years. I was chair of the 2014 Black & White Gala and a member of the 2012 Committee. I have been a member of three Budget and Finance Committees. I have been part of the 2014 Holiday House Tour Committee and a volunteer on two prior tours. I am part of the Membership Committee. In my first year on the board, and as an Executive Committee Member At-Large, I facilitated and led strategic planning sessions for board members for both the Community Association and the Local. I was instrumental in finding funding for a New Resident Program that new members to our community will see later this year. I have built and fostered partnerships with our Community Manager, Associate Publisher, Editor, reporters, Chestnut Hill businesses, leaders, institutions, and non-profits to collaboratively work to enhance this beautiful place where we live, work and shop. Why? Because I realize that putting my skills to use in the community makes Chestnut Hill an even better place than I found it and I have a great time doing it.   Walter J. (Walt) Sullivan, Esq. I served as CHCA President from 2009 to 2011. I loved every day of it, and with my colleagues set so much in motion. I've been an elected Board member and Parliamentarian off and on for the past 35 years, as well as chair of various CHCA committees including Bylaws. In 1980 I founded and chaired Chestnut Hill Town Watch. I have served as co-chair of the City-Neighborhood Partnership for a Safer Philadelphia and vice-chair of the Philadelphia Council of Neighborhood Organizations. For over 35 years I have been active in the OMC Church community and still delight in lectoring. My profession is law, retired. After college and law school summa here, I went down to Washington to clerk for a C.J. and then worked for Interior Secretary Udall. I returned to engage in civil practice, civil trial practice, and general practice. For several years I served as Counsel for a NYSE-listed corporation, on occasion stepping aside to work full time for progressive candidates to whom I was devoted, and public service in state and local government. Public service I loved most. All my life I have championed progressive causes across the board. Since age 14 in 1952, I have been actively involved in every primary and general election, now in my neighborhood and on the state level, to both of which I have been elected. My wish for the CHCA is that it becomes more and more a grassroots neighborhood organization, in that we act to increase its membership among our neighbors in Chestnut Hill. From this, much more will flow. Drew Meschter I grew up in Collegeville, 20 miles west of Chestnut Hill on Germantown Pike, and currently live on Cresheim Road in West Mount Airy. Until just recently, I worked in the insurance field. Over the past 10 years I’ve been involved with a number of local organizations, including the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, a local Pennsylvania National Guard unit. While serving with the City Troop, I completed a combat deployment to Iraq in 2006 and a peacekeeping mission to Egypt in 2008. I believe that Chestnut Hill is among the best residential neighborhoods ever created, both in the U.S. and abroad, equaled by other places perhaps, but never surpassed. Chestnut Hill’s taste, architecture, historical connection to Germantown, its access to Wissahickon Park, and the charming understatement of its people make it a national treasure, worth improving and defending. Having had experience writing insurance for local businesses, I understand and sympathize with the challenges faced by Chestnut Hill business owners and the shoppers who love them. If elected to this position, I will do my best to listen, observe, and respectfully raise points when I have something worth adding.