Helaine Zack

Oakland County Representative

Helaine Zack served as Oakland County Commissioner for 18 years from 2003-2020, representing the Cities of Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Oak Park and the Charter Township of Royal Oak. During her final term in office, Helaine chaired the Finance and Community Home Improvement Committees. As Commissioner, she served on many other Boards, including the Drain Board, the Retirement and Deferred Compensation Board, SEMCOG and the Area Agency on Aging 1B.

Before and while serving as Commissioner, Helaine continued to practice social work in the field of Employee Assistance for almost forty years. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for vulnerable citizens, including seniors and those with mental health and substance abuse problems, and victims of domestic violence and traumatic events. Helaine was also recognized as an Outstanding Advocate by the National Office of Easter Seals Disability Services in 2007. She was named a Taubman Scholar in 2015, which enabled her to attend the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Helaine also received the Volunteer Leadership Award from the Area Agency on Aging 1B in 2019.

Helaine earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan.