The Chestnut Hill Conservancy has announced that architect, board member and longtime community volunteer Jean McCoubrey will serve as the next president of its board of directors beginning Aug. 1. Dan Preston will serve as vice president.

The transition follows a significant period of organizational planning and growth. During Bill Webster’s tenure as board president, the Conservancy completed its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, establishing a roadmap to guide the organization’s preservation, conservation, archives, public engagement and stewardship initiatives throughout Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed. The leadership change comes as the Conservancy renews its focus on expanding community engagement, strengthening preservation and conservation efforts, and increasing public access to its archives and educational programs.

“We are grateful to Bill Webster for his leadership and service as board president during an important period for the Conservancy,” said David Gest, executive director of the Conservancy. “Under Bill’s leadership, the organization adopted its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, creating a framework that will guide our work for years to come. We appreciate his partnership, thoughtful counsel, and commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”

Later this year, Webster will retire from his role as chief communications officer at SEPTA and relocate outside the Philadelphia region. He will continue serving as president through July and is working closely with fellow board members and staff to support the transition.

“Jean and Dan have both been deeply involved in leading key areas of the Conservancy’s work and embody a commitment to community that is central to our mission, vision and values,” Webster said.

Regarding McCoubrey’s appointment, he added, “Jean’s longstanding involvement in every aspect of the Conservancy has given her the institutional knowledge and perspective necessary for effective leadership. She consistently brings a thoughtful, informed approach to challenges and opportunities while ensuring that diverse viewpoints are heard and considered. Her commitment to community reflects the values at the heart of the Conservancy’s mission.”

McCoubrey joined the Conservancy’s board in 2019. An architect by training, she earned her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has lived in Chestnut Hill since 1994. Throughout her years of service, she has helped guide public programming, strategic planning, sustainability initiatives and facilities planning. She has also served on the Green Space Initiative, the Chestnut Hill Community Association’s Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee, and Chestnut Hill Tree Tenders.

“Jean has a stellar reputation throughout the community and a deep commitment to every aspect of the Conservancy’s mission,” Gest said. “She understands both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with this role, and her experience across programs, planning, and governance makes her exceptionally well prepared to lead the board.”

“I am honored to serve in this role and grateful for the trust of my fellow board members,” McCoubrey said. “The Conservancy’s mission brings together architecture, landscapes, archives and community in a way that is both unique and deeply meaningful. I look forward to working alongside our board, staff, volunteers, members and community partners as we continue advancing the goals outlined in our strategic plan.”

Preston currently serves as chair of the Conservancy’s Collections Committee. A graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor of Architecture and a concentration in architectural history, he is associate director of digital media and creative communications for the University of Pennsylvania.

“Dan has brought tremendous energy, creativity and strategic thinking to the Conservancy,” Gest said. “His leadership of the Collections Committee has helped expand public access to our archives and strengthen connections between collections and archival exhibits. I look forward to working with him as we continue advancing the goals of the Strategic Plan.”

Preston praised McCoubrey’s leadership, calling her “a thoughtful and collaborative leader who understands both the history of the organization and the opportunities ahead.”

Chrissy Clawson is Programs and Communications Manager for the Chestnut Hill Conservancy.