Press release written by Chrissy Clawson for Chestnut Hill Conservancy shared 24 June 2026

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy announced that board member, architect, and longtime community volunteer Jean McCoubrey, AIA, will serve as the next President of its Board of Directors, succeeding retiring Board President William “Bill” Webster as the organization continues implementation of its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.

Effective August 1, 2026, Jean McCoubrey, AIA, will assume the role of President of the Board of Directors, and board member Dan Preston will serve as Vice President.

 

The transition follows a significant period of organizational planning and growth. During Webster’s tenure as Board President, the Conservancy completed its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, establishing a roadmap that will guide the organization’s preservation, conservation, archives, public engagement, and stewardship initiatives throughout Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed. The leadership transition 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, Esq., Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill 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,” said Webster.

Regarding McCoubrey’s appointment, Webster 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 of Directors in 2019 and currently serves as Vice President of Programs, Co-Chair of the Programs Committee, and Chair of the Facilities Committee. 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 Greenspace Initiative, the Chestnut Hill Community Association’s Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee, and Chestnut Hill Tree Tenders, reflecting her longstanding commitment to thoughtful planning, civic engagement, and the care of historic and environmental resources across Northwest Philadelphia.

“Jean has a stellar reputation throughout the community and a deep commitment to every aspect of the Conservancy’s mission,” said Gest. “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 look forward to partnering with her as we continue implementing the Conservancy’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.”

“I am honored to serve in this role and grateful for the trust of my fellow board members,” said McCoubrey. “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, Preston is Associate Director of Digital Media and Creative Communications for the University of Pennsylvania’s School and Center Annual Giving team. Since joining the Conservancy’s leadership team, he has helped increase the visibility and relevance of the organization’s archives through exhibitions, collections initiatives, and public engagement efforts.

“Dan has brought tremendous energy, creativity, and strategic thinking to the Conservancy,” said Gest. “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.”

“Dan brings a forward-thinking perspective that will be instrumental in realizing our strategic plan,” said Webster. “His leadership of the Collections Committee has helped strengthen the visibility and relevance of our archives while encouraging broader engagement with the Conservancy throughout Chestnut Hill and the surrounding communities.”

“One of the most exciting aspects of the Conservancy’s future is the opportunity to deepen public engagement while continuing to strengthen preservation, conservation, and archival stewardship,” said Preston. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to working with Jean, the board, staff, and community partners as we continue building on the organization’s strong foundation.”

Preston also praised McCoubrey’s leadership.

“Jean is a thoughtful and collaborative leader who understands both the history of the organization and the opportunities ahead,” he said. “I am excited to work alongside her as the Conservancy continues to expand its impact throughout Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed.”

Learn more about Jean McCoubrey’s background and leadership with the Conservancy
https://chconservancy.org/mcoubrey-building-for-what-comes-next/

View the full Chestnut Hill Conservancy Board of Directors
https://chconservancy.org/about/board/

About the Chestnut Hill Conservancy

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy conserves, preserves, and celebrates history, architecture, and landscapes in Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed through inclusive and proactive community engagement, advocacy, and stewardship. Founded over 55 years ago to protect and celebrate the area’s historic architecture, and since 1990 protected more than 105 acres of land through its easement program, making it the nation’s first urban accredited land trust. The Conservancy maintains a professionally curated archive with over 66,000 items accessible to the public and engages the community through educational programs, advocacy, and various events. The organization has also documented thousands of structures, contributing to Chestnut Hill’s designation as a National Register Historic District.

Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
8708 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 | 215-247-9329 | CHConservancy.org.