Board Elections 2021
Thank you to everyone who voted in this year’s Board elections! (Live 9/10 through 9/16)
Voting is now closed.
BOARD CANDIDATE PROFILES
Camille Z. Charles
5923 Devon Place, Philadelphia PA 19138 – New candidate nominated for election for a three (3) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
We live just outside the border of the Arboretum and love the experience and the nearness of nature. Would love to see more of the immediately-surrounding community utilize it, and to help make sure that there is a respectful collaborative relationship between the two.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
I am a sociologist with expertise in urban inequality – most specifically causes/consequences of racial residential segregation, racial attitudes, intergroup relations, and discrimination, but also some diversity and Inclusion work in the higher education space. I’ve taught at UPENN since 1998. In addition to teaching and research, I’ve held a variety of administrative positions – founded the Dept. of Africana Studies, and advocating for marginalized groups in the Penn community (URM, FGLI, neurodivergent, religious, LGBTQ+, etc.)
Conflict disclosures:
I own a home in proximity, or adjacent, to the Awbury Arboretum and understand this property interest may prevent me from voting on Board actions which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest.
Peter Commons
2 Awbury Road, Philadelphia PA 19138 – Incumbent board member nominated for re-election for a two (2) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
I am interested in Awbury (a) for its work in bringing people together in a natural setting that is part of the larger urban community and (b) because I think my skills as a lawyer who practices in the areas of non-profits and trusts and estates is useful to the organization. I first learned about Awbury as a neighbor, but my interest in Awbury’s work is as a member of the community.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
I grew up in Germantown and East Falls and have never really left. My father started the law firm in which I am now a partner in Germantown in 1973. I focus my law practice on school and non-profit issues and Trusts and estates work, all of which provide good context for board management, fiduciary obligations and ethics, and applicable laws.
Conflict disclosures:
I own a home in proximity, or adjacent, to the Awbury Arboretum and understand this property interest may prevent me from voting on Board actions which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest. Me and other members of my law firm, including my spouse and father, act as attorneys, representing some board members on matters unrelated to Awbury.
Loretta Tate Crump
1031 Haines St., Philadelphia PA 19138 – New candidate nominated for election for a three (3) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
I would like to participate as a Board member to represent Awbury neighbors
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
I have a MS Degree in Health Education, and studied the German Health Care System in Germany through New York University. I have served as an Assistant Professor in Health Care. I have created Health Education Programs and created a nonprofit organization. My experiences include program development, projected and actual budgets, and Evaluation methods.
Conflict disclosures:
I own a home in proximity, or adjacent, to the Awbury Arboretum and understand this property interest may prevent me from voting on Board actions which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest.
Jan Gillespie-Walton
6313 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia PA 19138 – New candidate nominated for election for a three (3) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
I am a neighbor who lives directly across the street from the Awbury Arboretum. As a community garden participant, I have watched, from a distance, as the arboretum has expanded its services. Most of my neighbors have asked each other about the “goings on” over there. It is my view that being this close, but not being participatory has, in some ways, created a bit of a tacit alienation. After attending an Awbury Arboretum meeting and engaging in an extended one-on-one conversation with the arboretum representative Grace Wicks in my home, I find myself eager and excited about serving at the board level. While there is so much that can be done for and in the community, a knowledgeable, insightful neighbor would only enhance that effort.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
As one who grew up in Philadelphia, I was always connected to any number of “arboretum type” activities through my relationship with Memorial Hall programs….day camp, tree planting trips, urban gardening for elderly neighbors, to mention a few. From my work as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent, I have often been called upon to align children’s support with both community programs and outdoor possibilities.
Conflict disclosures:
I own a home in proximity, or adjacent, to the Awbury Arboretum and understand this property interest may prevent me from voting on Board actions which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest.
Adam Hill
519 E. Washington Lane, Philadelphia PA 19144 – Incumbent board member nominated for re-election for a three (3) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
I remember coming to Awbury on field trips as a kid and being amazed that this place was in Germantown. My first job in agriculture was at Awbury which has now become my career. As part of my professional work I manage a greenhouse on the farm side of the arboretum. I live in the neighborhood and take my toddler and dog on walks in the arboretum. This place means a great deal to me and I want to help see it thrive.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
I was born and raised in Germantown and love this neighborhood and this city. After college in Pittsburgh and a few years living in South Philly my wife and I moved back to Germantown and now have a two year old. I’ve worked in urban and sustainable agriculture in and around Philadelphia since 2009. I currently work at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society where I manage our City Harvest and Community Garden programs. My work focuses on supporting community gardens and urban agriculture projects to provide greater access to fresh produce and bring neighbors together around horticulture. I have a great knowledge base in agriculture and have built a large network of connections in the horticulture industry.
Conflict disclosures:
None
Tim Linehan
315 Kingsley St., Philadelphia PA 19128 – Incumbent board member nominated for re-election for a two (2) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
I am interested to help the AAA achieve its mission by creating an environment where members of the Arboretum and community can thrive and enjoy the many benefits that Awbury has to offer.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
My background in landscape architecture and expertise in stormwater management would prove useful as the AAA works towards improved management of the landscape. Furthermore, I am passionate about guiding Awbury towards interpreting, preserving and growing the landscape through the implementation of its Stewardship Plan over the coming years. Awbury has the potential to become an even more beloved space though thoughtful planning and collaboration of how the landscape at Awbury is designed, programmed and used.
Conflict disclosures:
Due to my employment with the Philadelphia Water Department and the AAA having received funding from the Philadelphia Water Department for the restoration of the pond, I am disclosing the potential conflict of interest.
Linda A. Owens
5926 Devon Place., Philadelphia PA 19138 – New candidate nominated for election for a three (3) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
I am interested in helping to preserve the integrity of the purpose for which the Awbury Arboretum was established, i.e. to provide a natural sanctuary for flora and fauna and an oasis for the community while educating the public. I believe that a deeper relationship must be established between Awbury Arboretum and the neighbors, both of whom have been remiss in nourishing said relationship.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
I am a lifelong resident of Germantown. As a child my friends and I visited the arboretum for biking and sledding. My family moved to Devon Place fifty years ago. Our yard abuts the arboretum. My mother, Evelyn G. Spann, former chair of Awbury Arboretum board, has walked generations of our family through Awbury. We were one of the first families to have a plot in the community garden. I am currently the editor of the newsletter for Awbury Arboretum Neighbors Association, thus a member of the Executive Board. I have served as Treasurer, President and member of Church Council of my congregation and other church committees and organizations for many years, as well as Vice President of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Philadelphia District for a short time. Before retiring from service with the State of Pennsylvania, I served as office manager for the Office of Children, Youth and Families, a training supervisor for caseworkers for the Department of Public Assistance, and I was a member of a statewide group responsible for developing training materials and insuring policy was updated and accurate.
Conflict disclosures:
I own a home in proximity, or adjacent, to the Awbury Arboretum and understand this property interest may prevent me from voting on Board actions which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest.
Eldredge C. “Rags” Ragsdale
6847 Sprague St., Philadelphia 19119 – Incumbent board member nominated for re-election for a three (3) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
Presently, I am a Master Gardener (2008 Graduate) of the Penn State Extension. I joined the Awbury Arboretum Community Garden in 2008. In 2014 I was elected President of the Awbury Arboretum Community Garden, a position I still hold. During my leadership of the community garden we have received several gardening awards from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In 2018 I joined the Board of Directors of Awbury Arboretum. I am committed to continuing to help the Awbury Arboretum Association expand the board’s programming and dedication in making the arboretum a vital asset to the surrounding community.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
My professional history has been marked by several varying experiences that have enriched my life. My military life began in 1962. After traveling the world and training, supervising and mentoring military personnel I retired in 1987 as an Army Staff Sergeant. Next, I went on to a twenty year career with the Philadelphia Housing Authority being involved with the functions of PHA in operating affordable housing for the city residents with limited incomes.
I am an active member of the Philadelphia Orchard Project and was awarded their Golden Persimmon Award in 2019. I am also the orchard and garden tender at Historic Strawberry Mansion. Over the years I have participated in several of the projects offered by Food Moxie and have been impressed by the hard work and dedication the organization shares with the gardening community. I now also sit on the board of Food Moxie.
Conflict disclosures:
I own a home in proximity, or adjacent, to the Awbury Arboretum and understand this property interest may prevent me from voting on Board actions which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest.
William Reaume
6118 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia PA 19138 – New candidate nominated for election for a three (3) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
Having lived in the former stables of the Henry Cope House for over twenty years, I have grown to love this incredible gem of Germantown that is Awbury. Through my involvement in the board, I would like to contribute my time and energy to help guide Awbury in its mission to connect this community with nature and history. I am specifically interested in helping people experience the “quiet enjoyment of nature” spoken of by its founders. Additionally, as a close neighbor to the arboretum, I would like to be a person who can be available to the neighbors in a unique way.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
As I mentioned above, I have lived as a neighbor to the Arboretum for over 20 years. I believe this allows me to have some perspective on the Arboretum’s recent history. I have been an avid birder throughout my time here, and have documented over 150 species of birds in the Arboretum. I have led bird walks at Awbury and have volunteered in a variety of ways over the years. In addition to birding at Awbury, I have used birding events to raise money for the Pennsylvania chapter of The Nature Conservancy and have also been a member of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club.
In addition to my birding at Awbury and my connections within the birding community, I have over thirty years of experience working with children. For the past twenty three years I have been working as an elementary school counselor and have designed and implemented programs which have helped my school win designation as both a state and national school of character. I very much enjoy helping children build healthy relationships to the people in their lives and to the natural world.
Conflict disclosures:
I own a home in proximity, or adjacent, to the Awbury Arboretum and understand this property interest may prevent me from voting on Board actions which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest.
Mark Sellers
3 Awbury Road, Philadelphia PA 19138 – Incumbent board member nominated for re-election for a two (2) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
Awbury is a locus of landscape history, horticulture, historic preservation, and community programming. I have a long-standing interest in all of these topics.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
- Owned small historic restoration contracting business.
- Retired attorney – practiced commercial litigation in the construction/engineering/aviation space
- Germantown Historical Society – board member, former board chair
- Historic Germantown consortium – board member, former treasurer
- Germantown United Community Development Corp. – board member, treasurer
- Hood Cemetery Company of Germantown – treasurer
- Philadelphia Collegiate School for Boys – board chair
- Five Smooth Stones Foundation – Secretary
Conflict disclosures:
I own a home in proximity, or adjacent, to the Awbury Arboretum and understand this property interest may prevent me from voting on Board actions which might give rise to a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest.
Sydelle Zove
644 Harts Ridge Road, Conshohocken PA 19428 – Incumbent board member nominated for re-election for a three (3) year term
Please briefly describe your interest in board service at Awbury:
I was recruited to serve on Awbury’s board in 2015, was initially a member of the Development Committee, more recently, the Facilities Committee, and am now chair of the newly formed Community Planning Committee. I am especially interested in preserving and enhancing the arboretum’s natural environment, but also want to protect the integrity of the historic structures. Above all, I believe that AAA must place a high priority on improving access–to its trails, programs, and decision-making processes.
Please provide a short biographical profile, and include any subject matter expertise which you feel might be useful to the Arboretum:
In 2018 I retired from a career in the nonprofit sector where I pursued my commitment to social justice by supporting the creation of affordable housing, reducing hunger, and advocating on behalf of progressive policy initiatives. While living in Germantown, I was chair of the Penn-Knox Neighborhood Association, and after moving to Whitemarsh Township, served on the board of the local public library, including a term as board president. In 2016, I was a founding member of the Friends of Abolition Hall, a grassroots association that successfully argued against the approval of a subdivision and development plan for a 10.5-acre historic homestead that had been a busy stop on the Underground Railroad. Both professionally and as a volunteer, I have engaged with stakeholders and donors who share my interests and convictions.
Conflict disclosures:
None
Have questions about the election process? Please contact Heather Zimmerman at hzimmerman@awbury.org.
We invite you to join us on Sunday, September 19th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM for our Autumn Social and Annual Meeting, featuring updates from the Board and Staff about the Arboretum, as well as announcing the new Board.