Representing East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale
Term: 2023-2026
Karen Holman has been active in the community for many years, including a long public record of environmental stewardship. She was a member of both Acterra and Palo Alto Zero Waste Task Forces and has had roles in neighborhood associations and nonprofit organizations. In Palo Alto over the past 17 years she served as mayor, city councilmember, and planning commissioner. In 2013-14, Karen co-chaired the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Community Advisory Committee, contributing to the creation of Midpen’s Vision Plan.
Karen was elected to the board of directors by voters to fill retiring Nonette Hanko’s seat. Holman is only the second person to fill this role since voters created the District in 1972. Hanko served on the board for 46 consecutive years, and she personally encouraged her friend Karen to run for the position.
Born and raised in Missouri, Karen has lived in Palo Alto since 1975. Karen had a long career in graphic design before pursuing work in the conservation and historic preservation field, including serving as executive director of the Palo Alto History Museum. She holds a B.A. in graphic arts from the University of Arkansas.