Our Leadership
Steve Kendall
President
Steve Kendall
President
Dr. Kendall is a registered architect and holds a PhD in Design Theory and Methods from MIT. His career in architectural practice, research and education spans more than 35 years. Before his retirement in 2014, he taught in the US, Japan, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Africa and Italy. His teaching, research and writing focus on the Open Building approach, needed to make buildings more adaptable, easier to customize to meet changing preferences and thus more sustainable. He has authored more than 50 published papers and research reports and three books. He is Co-Founder and Vice President of the Council on Open Building, a professional non-profit advocating that buildings be prepared for change.
Josephine Gasiewski Winter
Executive Director
Josephine Gasiewski Winter
Executive Director
Jo lives in W Mt Airy with her husband, two young children, poodle pup Penny, and Balinese cat Beef Stroganoff. Born in the Overbrook Farms section of Philadelphia, she is a graduate of three pillars of Philly based education, Central High School (257!), the University of Pennsylvania (BA, MSEd), and Temple University (Phd). After completing her doctorate in Urban Education, Jo did three years of post-doc research at UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute where she focused on qualitative analyses related to diversifying the STEM pipeline. Jo now serves as a qualitative data consultant primarily on diversity, equity, and inclusion projects in higher education. She first joined WMAN as the VP of membership, but after organizing Covid vaccinations for hundreds of elderly folks during the peak of the pandemic, Jo caught the community organizing bug, and took on the role of full time ED in December 2022. She is dedicated to reigniting WMAN’s advocacy and activism roots, and establishing WMAN as true community led, hub of West Mt. Airy life.
Carla Pagan
VP
Carla Pagan
VP
Adrienne Carpenter
Adrienne Carpenter
Rob Pelszynski
VP
Rob Pelszynski
VP
Rob was born and raised in Philadelphia. After starting college in Washington DC, Rob returned to Philly and graduated from Temple University with a BBA specializing in Risk Management and Insurance. He and his wife Elizabeth have lived in West Mount Airy since 2006, and are raising two children here. Rob is a small business owner, operating two businesses in Mt. Airy. Rob joined the WMAN Board in 2021.
Cheryl Ann Nelson
Cheryl Ann Nelson
Cheryl Ann is a retiree of Community College of Philadelphia where she served as an English professor for 30 years. Her primary area of interest during her retirement is working with organizations that promote the importance and enjoyment of reading, especially for children and youth. Recent home and apartment development in her immediate area has spurred a desire to protect the W. Mt Airy neighborhood from being overly developed with construction that does not reflect a respect for this historic area of the Wissahickon Valley.
Ralph Pinkus
Ralph Pinkus
Ralph has lived on Westview Street since 1980. He and his family moved to Philadelphia from the Washington, DC area where he worked in the Office of General Counsel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He then served as a Deputy City Solicitor in Philadelphia in the City Law Department. In 1984, Ralph opened his private legal practice specializing in real estate and zoning matters. He has chaired the West Mt. Airy Neighbors Zoning Committee since 2005. He is currently in the process of retiring and has a part time “gig” serving on the Philadelphia Board of License and Inspection Review. He enjoys walking in the Wiss with his lovely wife Cheryl, and traveling to Colorado to visit his two fantastic grandchildren.
Ebo Nunoo
Ebo Nunoo
Ebo Nunoo is an entrepreneur, community leader, and innovation strategist dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods through collaboration, inclusive economic development, and civic engagement. He serves on the Board of the West Mt. Airy Neighbors Association, where he is committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming, and connected community for residents of all backgrounds.
Professionally, Ebo works as a Retirement Plan Consultant while also serving as the founder of XOXOA Bean-to-Bar Chocolatier, a Philadelphia-based company that celebrates the rich heritage of cocoa through ethically sourced, small-batch chocolate. His work bridges business innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling, reflecting his passion for creating meaningful connections across communities.
A longtime advocate for neighborhood engagement, Ebo has contributed to numerous nonprofit, educational, and civic initiatives throughout Northwest Philadelphia. He believes strong communities are built through active participation, thoughtful leadership, and opportunities that empower neighbors to thrive together.
Lis Bass
Lis Bass
Elisabeth (Lis) Bass is excited to be on the WMAN board having spent almost her whole life in Northwest Philly having grown up in West Oak Lane. She and her husband, Stu have lived in West Mt. Airy since 1991. She retired from teaching English after 40 years, the last 33 at Camden County College. She holds a MA in English Lit and a Ph.D. in the Psychology of Education (Temple Univ). She’s been an activist since her Girls’ High days working with anti-racist, environmentalist, feminist, immigrant, and other social justice organizations. She’s a founding member of MANDI (Mt. Airy Neighbors Diversity Initiative) and MAIN (Mt. Airy Indivisible Neighbors). She is a member of NWIN (Northwest Immigrant Network) and the Immigrant Justice Coalition. She is also a longtime supporter of the Bread & Roses Community Fund. Her children, Cameron & Maya, went to Henry, Masterman, and Central. They & their spouses live close enough so that Lis is a happily involved grandparent.
Jarma Frisby
Jarma Frisby
Octavius Price
Octavius Price
Originally from Memphis Tennessee, I made my way to Philadelphia in August of 2020, instantly fell in love with the character and fabric of the city and the grit of its citizens. Decided that my family would set up here and raise our daughter here. You can frequently find me walking or running up and down Germantown Avenue or taking the 23. Excited for the future of Mt.Airy and looking forward to helping it fulfill its potential.
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