About Helen

Helen raised her family in San José, and she is dedicated to leading efforts and policies to preserve open space like Coyote Valley and finding ways to increase access to a healthy environment. Helen and her husband, Dan, raised two sons and are expecting a grandson in October. Helen’s commitment to civic engagement and local environmental issues led her to become a community leader.

Helen’s experience from serving as a City of San Jose Park Commissioner, Coyote Valley Task Force member, Green Foothills Board member, and Legislative Policy advisor for Councilmember Jimenez, gives her the solid background needed to continue the work of the Open Space Authority mission to conserve land, connect people to nature, support agriculture, provide outdoor education, and sustain our natural resources.

In addition to her career and family, Helen has been a committed volunteer. Helen served as Commissioner with San José Parks & Recreation for six years, serving as Chair for three. Helen is serving as President for the Shasta Hanchett Park Neighborhood Association, a former board member with San José Parks Foundation, Green Foothills, San José Coyote Valley Task Force, and many other roles. 

Helen was recognized as Women of the Year for 2017 from Assemblymember Evan Low in recognition of her community engagement. She also received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association’s Lula Briggs Galloway Working Women’s Award in 2010 as well as Mayor Susan Hammer’s Outstanding Women of Silicon Valley Award in 1996.  She was just recently selected as of the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s 2020 Woman of Influence.

Helen understands the needs of our community, and she has a long record of giving back to San José.  In Helen, you know you will have a director with a proven history of outstanding achievement and dedication to enhancing our community and our environment.

Paid for by Helen Chapman for Santa Clara County Valley Open Space Authority District 3 - 2020
FPPC# coming soon