Helene Schneider, former mayor of Santa Barbara, will be joining the Board of Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative (SBAC), the group has announced.
“Helene has been part of the DNA of the Arts Collaborative since before it even existed,” said Rod Hare, co-founder of the organization. “Back in her City Council days, she acted as liaison to the task force that ultimately led to the formation of our organization.
“Shortly after she became mayor, I remember her approaching me with an idea: What if we equipped her office to serve as an art gallery, a quarterly exhibition highlighting the many talented artists in our city? Thus began Art in the Mayor’s Office that endured for her entire tenure.
“This is only one of many examples of her contributions to the formation and success of our organization. I am delighted she has joined our board.”
Schneider currently serves as the regional development director for California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI), expanding awareness and support of the school in Santa Barbara County, and as a regional coordinator for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, focusing on reducing homelessness in communities throughout California and Arizona.
During her tenure as mayor (January 2010-January 2018), Schneider focused heavily on Santa Barbara’s artistic and cultural economy, where she was the recipient of the 2016 U.S. Conference of Mayors & Americans for the Arts National Award for Arts Leadership.
“Helene’s enthusiasm and deeply felt support of the arts was and still is front and center,” said Leon Olson, SBAC treasurer. “Her early support of our mission was instrumental to our organization.”
“I have seen first-hand Helene’s commitment to the community, and how much she believes in the work of the SBAC. She will be a great asset to our board as we strive to serve Santa Barbara’s arts and artists,” said Marianne Clark, SBAC Board president.
Schneider’s advice and advocacy were instrumental in the creation of Pianos on State, the Community Arts Workshop, and other arts and cultural projects and traditions. In 2018, she was elected by its membership to the Sister Cities International Board of Directors and currently serves on its executive committee.
Schneider earned her BA degree from Skidmore College and her professional designation in human resources management from UCSB Extension.