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.
Justin Lini, Board Chair
Justin is a digital media specialist and community activist who just completed his term as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner of his Ward 7 neighborhood. He enjoys visiting the park in all seasons and attends as many festivals and events here as possible.
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.
Dana Fronczak, Treasurer
Dana enjoys birding and is an avid visitor and volunteer of the park. When not outdoors, Dana supports government agencies in strategic planning and financial management including audits.
Beth Scott, Secretary
Beth is a strategic communicator with experience in program management, public policy, and community relations. She is happiest when outdoors and wants to share that joy with others.
Dennis Chestnut, At-Large Exec Committee
Dennis is a life-long resident of Ward 7 with an abiding love for the community and lands east of the river. He is spending her retirement actively working to improve public education, the arts, and to protect our natural environment.
Daniella Einik
Daniella is an attorney who focuses on environmental law and takes on pro bono work that helps her community. She considers Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens a hidden gem within the city that deserves a wider audience.
John Healey
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
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.