Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Appoints Lisanna Dominguez as New District 6 Director

Publish On

San José, Calif (May 29, 2025) — The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) Board of Directors unanimously appointed Lisanna Dominguez to represent District 6. Dominguez, who was sworn in on May 22, will serve through December 4, 2026, completing the term of Mike Potter, who resigned earlier this month. 

A lifelong resident of East San José, Dominguez brings deep community roots and extensive nonprofit leadership experience to the role. She currently serves as chief development officer at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation and previously held senior roles with Latino Education Advancement Foundation, 10,000 Degrees and the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, among other organizations. Dominguez has been a member of the Authority’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee since January 2025.

Director Lisanna Dominguez being sworn in to the Authority Board of Directors

“Growing up in East San José, I know firsthand how vital equitable access to open space and nature is for community well-being,” said Dominguez. “I’m honored to represent District 6 and committed to advancing environmental justice, protecting our region’s natural resources and ensuring that community voices continue to shape our future.”

Dominguez was selected through a public process. The Authority issued formal notice of vacancy on May 6 and accepted applications through May 15. Her appointment reflects the Board’s continued commitment to inclusive leadership and broad regional representation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lisanna to the board,” said Board Chair Helen Chapman. “Her professional experience, passion for public service and deep ties to the community make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team.”

About the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected almost 30,000 acres of open space, natural areas and working lands, watersheds, and wildlife habitat – providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. For more information, please visit openspaceauthority.org

# # #

Related Posts

Local officials, outdoor agencies and community members gathered on Friday, May 30, at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve to celebrate the official dedication of new segments of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. This momentous occasion marks a step forward in enhancing public access to Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve and Calero County Park, thanks to recent updates to the Countywide Trails Master Plan and the ongoing efforts of conservation partners.
Mera Burton, Chair of the Citizens' Advisory Committee, joined the Open Space Authority in 2021. She holds a master's in STEM Education from Santa Clara University and enjoys engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. Mera is the Water Education Program Manager for Valley Water and has served as a volunteer naturalist for Walden West and Monterey Outdoor School.
In a meaningful convening of minds and hearts, the founders of the Open Space Authority joined key champions of Coyote Valley’s protection—past, present, and future—to reflect on five decades of advocacy and envision the next chapter of conservation.