Staff

Alex@CHConservancy.Org
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He/Him

Alex Bartlett serves as Curator and Archivist at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, where he manages the Conservancy’s archival collections and supports research into the area’s architectural and cultural history.

He began volunteering with the Conservancy in 2009 and was hired as an Archivist shortly thereafter. He has a background in archaeology and collections management. A resident of the area for 40 years, Alex previously worked for 12 years as an archaeologist at a cultural resources firm.

He holds a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the University of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts degrees in Anthropology and Earth Sciences from Temple University.

Alex was appointed Curator in 2024 following the retirement of longtime staff member Liz Jarvis. Outside of work, he is a doting husband and is proudly owned by two cats.

Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org
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She/Her

Chrissy Clawson serves as the Programs and Communications Manager at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, where, since 2023, she leads marketing, public programming, and strategic communications to advance the Conservancy’s mission.

Chrissy brings over two decades of experience across the nonprofit, food, and water sectors, with a background in marketing, events, and development. She has worked across several businesses in the Chestnut Hill business corridor, including as Interim Marketing and Events Director for the Chestnut Hill Business District.

Chrissy has received national recognition for her work, including first runner-up in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Visionaries of the Year campaign, where she raised $97,000 in just ten weeks while simultaneously fundraising for the Big Climb Philly. A passionate gardener and community advocate, she is also known for her award-winning tomato pie recipe, a love of stationery and wax seals, and unwavering devotion to her dog, Yeats.

Krista@CHConservancy.Org
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She/Her

Krista Gebbia serves as the Conservancy’s conservation and easements manager, overseeing the Easement Program and working to preserve and sustain significant historic and natural properties. Since joining in early 2023, she has led annual easement monitoring, supported conservation advocacy, and advanced the stewardship of protected land across the community.

She has worked in preservation in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Texas, serving as an architectural historian, nonprofit manager, and advocate for the built and natural environment.

A native of Bucks County, Krista lives in Chestnut Hill with her family. She supports efforts to provide food to Northwest Philadelphia residents and helps children impacted by grief and addiction.

David@CHConservancy.Org
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He/Him

David Gest serves as Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, where he leads the organization’s work preserving the historical, architectural, and natural resources of the Wissahickon watershed and surrounding communities.

He joined the Conservancy in January 2025, bringing experience in nonprofit leadership, city planning, historic preservation, law, and community engagement. His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer of Mural Arts Philadelphia and Partner in Zoning and Land Use at Ballard Spahr LLP. He began his career with a historic preservation consulting firm in Los Angeles and also practiced land use law in New York City.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Yale University, a Master of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, and a Juris Doctor from Columbia University.

Outside work, he enjoys hiking, camping, playing ultimate frisbee, and coaching youth sports.

Nathan@CHConservancy.Org
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He/Him

Nathan Max serves as Associate Archivist at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, where he supports the stewardship, cataloging, and accessibility of the Conservancy’s archival collections.

He first became involved with the Conservancy in 2018 through internships while earning his Bachelor of Arts in History from Chestnut Hill College. Following graduation, he volunteered regularly with the Archives team for six years.

Nathan lives in nearby Oreland and brings a strong familiarity with local geography and historical context to his work. Outside the Conservancy, he is actively involved in historical reenactments, including medieval fencing and horsemanship, and continues to pursue his interest in history through community engagement and research.

Mac@CHConservancy.Org
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They/Them

Mac Prell serves as Office Manager at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, where they support staff operations, manage the Conservancy’s headquarters, and welcome guests and visitors.

They joined the Conservancy in July 2025 with prior experience in nonprofit administration and podcast production. Mac holds a Bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in audio production and visual art.

A lifelong Philadelphian, Mac grew up in a 170-year-old home in Germantown.