Helen Curzio Sears

NYC Coundil Woman

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Personal History

Helen was elected as Council Member of the 25th District Office in 2001 where she represents parts of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Rego Park, Woodside and Corona. She graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in February 1948. She earned a BA (Cum Laude) at Queens College in Public Administration and Political and Economic Development. In addition, she took Post graduate studies at Columbia University.

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As a long-time community activist, she has served as Democratic District Leader in the 34th Assembly District since 1978. A resident of Jackson Heights in Queens for over thirty-five years, she has two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren. As a former healthcare professional, she is sensitive to healthcare issues and has served as Director of Government and Community Affairs for the Health and Hospitals Corporation at Elmhurst Medical Center. She gained experience in this position by managing budgets and union negotiations. As a board member of the NYC Health Systems Agency, Helen played an important role in the expansion and modernization of citywide hospitals.

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Helen has spent her career servicing the needs of the elderly. As a Senior Specialist with the NYC Department for the Aging, she developed many important programs for the elderly, including transportation, recreation, health-screening and homebound services such as Meals on Wheels. She co-founded the Catherine Sheridan Senior Center. When the center was threatened with closing, she was asked to work as its Director. She volunteered to do so for one year without pay, saving the center, which presently continues to serve hundreds of seniors in the community. She was also instrumental in developing the Marjorie Riley Center, Lefrak City's first senior center.

After her election, she was elected to serve as the Queens Budget Negotiator, helping to ensure Queens' residents get their fair share and making sure the fiscal needs of the borough are met. She is the chairperson of the Council's Committee on Standards and Ethics and serves as a member of the Finance, Health, Transportation and State and Federal Legislation Committees.

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As a member of the City Council, Helen has spearheaded a number of initiatives to improve the quality of life in the 25th District. She has authored as well as sponsored bills designed to create a safer, cleaner and quieter environment, to provide better government and to protect those members of the Queens community who are most vulnerable, our children, the elderly, and the needy.

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The Fort Hamilton High School Alumni Association is proud and honored to induct her into the Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements in her community.