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MEET HELEN
LEADERSHIP DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Helen is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and immigrant from the Philippines. She and her husband, Greg have lived in Newton for almost 25 years. They have three children; a son Jordan, and twin daughters, Madelyn and Kathryn.
“I love the town of Newton which is why I have volunteered and worked hard to make Newton a better place to live, work, and visit. I am passionate about my work as your elected official,” says Helen.
Helen has served the Newton Town Council for two terms. During her tenure, Newton has seen growth through multiple redevelopment projects, new businesses coming to town, several shared service agreements, and new grant awards. All of this has led to a safer community, expanded ratables, and fiscally sound budgeting practices. As Mayor, her focus was on community, communication, and customer service. Together, the Council and staff achieved a nearly 0% municipal tax increase, started streaming Council meetings, and brought jobs and businesses into town. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, Helen was proud to honor our veterans at Newton’s first Flags of Honor event. “My priority as a Newton Council member has always been, and always will be, to make sure the town is safe, tax dollars are used wisely, taxes remain stable, and municipal debt remains under control,” says Helen. She says she is very much looking forward to serving on the Town Council again with Sandy and Matt.
Professionally, Helen helps to lead an organization that serves victims of domestic violence and abuse and manages multi-million dollar budgets that saves lives.
Helen has served two terms as an elected member of the Newton Town Council. She has served as Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councilwoman.
Helen currently serves as a member of the Newton Planning and Land Use Board and is the Chair of the Newton Parking Authority. She is also the former Chair of the Newton Historic Preservation Advisory Commission. She is an avid supporter of the Town’s volunteer Fire Department and is a member of the Newton Fire Department Auxiliary. Helen is a former Head Coach and Assistant Coach for Newton’s youth soccer program.
For the past twelve years, Helen has been the Vice President, Development for Jersey Battered Women’s Service, Inc. (JBWS). Before JBWS, Helen was the Executive Director for the March of Dimes, North Jersey Division. As a fundraising professional, Helen has led non-profit organizations to raise millions of dollars to help them carry out their missions.
A strong supporter of quality education, Helen completed her terms as Chair of the Sussex County Community College Foundation Board of Trustees as well as a member of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County Board of Trustees.
Helen is also a former Board Member and current Member-at-Large of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, New Jersey Chapter. Helen is a current member of the Board of Trustees at Loyola Jesuit Center.