The St. John's Pond Watershed Alliance was incorporated as a New York not-for-profit corporation and received 501(c)(3) recognition from the IRS. It exists as a legally distinct entity from St. John's Episcopal Church, with its own board, bank account, and organizational identity.
That structural clarity matters. It allows SJPWA to receive grants, manage restricted funds, and act as a long-term stewardship vehicle for the pond — while St. John's Church remains its founding institutional partner and organizational home.
Board of Directors
The people
who answer for this work.
Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, Cold Spring Harbor. Gideon has led the church's growing commitment to environmental stewardship of the pond and its watershed, convening the stakeholder community and shepherding SJPWA from concept to incorporated nonprofit.
A founding member of SJPWA's board, Billy brings organizational leadership and deep ties to the Cold Spring Harbor community to the Alliance's work. As President, he oversees day-to-day organizational operations and external relationships.
Joe serves as Secretary of the SJPWA board, responsible for organizational records, meeting documentation, and ensuring that the Alliance's governance practices meet the standards expected of a public-benefit nonprofit.
Jon serves as Treasurer Pro Tempore, overseeing SJPWA's financial accounts, grant fund management, and fiscal reporting. His stewardship ensures that donor gifts are managed with full transparency and directed to their intended purpose.
A lifelong resident of Lloyd Harbor, Sarah brings a deep commitment to preserving and strengthening the character and environmental health of the Cold Spring Harbor area. An active civic volunteer, she and her husband are raising two children in the community the pond serves.
A conceptual artist, designer, and entrepreneur, Rebecca is a passionate advocate for environmental and historical causes. Born in Los Angeles and holding two degrees in art history, she moved to Oyster Bay in 2012. She and her husband are raising two children — and stewarding their own pond.
Development Committee
Leading the work
of community generosity.
SJPWA's Development Committee leads the Alliance's fundraising, sponsorship, and donor stewardship — including the annual Save the Pond benefit. The committee was established in 2026, building on the success of the inaugural Save the Pond fundraiser that raised more than $350,000 for the restoration of the pond's systems and structures.
Kristin brings ten years of nonprofit leadership experience, having served on the Board of East Woods School from 2012 to 2022 — the last five as Co-President. An executive search consultant in the retail and consumer industries, she co-chaired the inaugural Save the Pond fundraiser in 2025 and returns as co-chair for the 2026 event. She and her husband Morgan live in Oyster Bay Cove with their two daughters.
Head of US Strategy at MetLife, Jaclyn leads new business launches and organizational transformation. She brings senior experience from American Express and management consulting across the US and Europe. A parishioner at St. John's, she and her husband Vlad live in Lloyd Harbor with their three children. Together with Kristin Dennehy, she co-chaired the inaugural Save the Pond benefit in 2025.