Board of Directors
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is led by a stellar group of local community leaders from metro Washington, D.C. They guide the strategic direction of the organization and provide financial oversight.
Rachel Wells, Vice Chair
Rachel works in data science for social good, helping nonprofits use machine learning to improve operations and data to measure and evaluate their impact. Most evenings, she enjoys walking her dog in Kenilworth Park and along the Anacostia River Trail, saving the weekends for a regular stroll in Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.
John Healey, Secretary
John is a water quality specialist living in Northeast DC. He enjoys running and cycling through the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, along the Anacostia River Trail, and volunteering to maintain this national treasure.
Gina Geffrard, At-Large Exec Committee
Gina Geffrard is a statistician with the federal government and resides in Ward 7. When not planning and implementing national surveys, Gina volunteers with various DC non-profits is active in her church and enjoys running and cycling through Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.
Craig Leen
Craig Leen is an attorney and former public official who focuses on employment, civil rights, and DEIA initiatives. He loves coming to Kenilworth Aquatic Garden year-round with his daughter Alex, who is profoundly autistic and enjoys the colors, sounds, and scents of the gardens.
Gilbert Holland
Gilbert is retired after a career as an international tax lawyer, based in London, Hong Kong and Geneva, and a lobbyist. He often enjoys the beauty of the Gardens’ aquatic plants, birds, butterflies, and wildflowers, and takes special pleasure in introducing long-term DC residents to the Gardens.
Mariana Fariña
The first lotus flower Mariana ever saw was at the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden when she took her then young daughters to a lotus festival almost two decades ago. She returns to the garden often to connect with and be in awe of nature. Born and raised in Peru, Mariana works in the financial industry.
Briana Millage
Briana has over a decade of experience working in nonprofit fundraising for DC’s leading arts and culture organizations, specializing in corporate partnerships. As a Ward 7 resident, she and her family love exploring Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens year-round and the unique opportunities it provides to connect with nature and wildlife. She hopes to see this hidden gem become less “hidden” for Washingtonians across the city, especially the youngest naturalists.
Carl Winfree
Carl is a DC native who grew up in Ward 7. He enjoys cycling, nature photography and attending concerts at the Gardens. After a career in healthcare, Carl is volunteering and advising startup companies.
Joanne Slaight
Joanne finds the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and the entire Anacostia watershed to be an incredible treasure, which changes with the tides and the seasons. She brings both DC residents and guests to the park, who are amazed by its beauty. Joanne recently closed her practice as a criminal defense lawyer, representing indigent DC residents, and looks forward to further exploring and advocating for our beautiful park.
Jenny Jourdain
Passionate about environmental sustainability, Jenny Jourdain is a seasoned public policy and communications professional who often heads to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens by bike or hike while exploring the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.
Starr Granby-Collins
Prior to my role at Mastercard I was a D.C. government attorney for many years. I’m a master at connecting seemingly disconnected things and after nearly 15 in the government I transitioned to corporate two years ago. In addition to connecting ideas, I’m obsessed with forming meaningful connections with people. A lover of coffee, museums, the Kennedy Center, and sci-fi. I live on the hill with my family.
Beautiful accessible spaces in our community can inspire us and I’m so excited to contribute to the work that FOKAG does to preserve a space that can inspire us and thereby transform us.
Daniel Zimmerman
Daniel is a Ward 7 resident and works as an advocate for federal policy to improve roadway safety. He has worked in government affairs and lobbying roles to support clean and safe transportation policy. After moving to the neighborhood, he fell in love with the serenity and natural beauty at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, especially the wildlife.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Board of Directors for the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. I love that the gardens provide an oasis from busy DC and look forward to helping more people discover their beauty.”
Katherine Devine
Katherine is a sustainability consultant and former Director of Business Case Development at WWF’s Markets Institute, where she focused on analyzing the business case for sustainable practices. Her coffee addiction and interest in farming began when she was a Peace Corps volunteer working with coffee farmers in the Dominican Republic, kickstarting more than 15 years of working in international development and conservation to explore innovative business models benefiting the environment and society. Prior to WWF, Katherine worked at Grameen Foundation, providing financial analysis to the Board and leadership team, and designing and analyzing business models at the intersection of financial inclusion, agriculture and health services.
“It’s been a joy to share my love of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens with my child, who loves searching for wildlife across the gardens. I am thrilled to join Friends of Kenilworth’s Board to support this beautiful space and ensure its continuity for future generations.”