Helene Schneider

Board Chair

Helene Schneider’s passion stems from connecting with leaders on complex policy issues to create positive results. She currently serves as the regional development director for California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), expanding awareness and support of CSUCI in Santa Barbara County. She also works as a regional coordinator for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, focusing on reducing homelessness in communities throughout California and Arizona.

Helene served for over 17 years in municipal government, as mayor, city councilmember, and housing authority commissioner for the City of Santa Barbara. Additionally, in her previous role as a human resources management consultant, she developed and conducted various effective training programs for local businesses focusing on strategic planning, team building, and sexual harassment prevention. In addition to the Garden, she also serves on the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative board.

Helene earned a certificate in executive leadership from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College. She loves beach walks, singing it out, and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” — and believes that a good year requires a passport.