Helena Miller

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Helena-Miller

Helena B. Miller 
Rock Hill, South Carolina 
York Road Elementary School PTA, Rock Hill SC 

Personal and Professional Information 

  • Married to David for 25 years
  • Children: Leo (Alexis), Chloe, and Izabel
  • Education: B.A. in Communications, University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2001)
  • M.S. in Organizational Communication, Boras University (2023)
  • Master Level Courses in Crisis Communication, Mid Sweden University (2024)
PTA Involvement

Current service includes: 
  • South Carolina PTA State President (2022- ends June 30, 2025)
  • National PTA Development Committee (2024-present)
  • South Carolina PTA (courtesy seat on all state committees) 
Previous service includes: 
  • South Carolina PTA President-Elect (2021-2022)
  • South Carolina PTA VP for Advocacy (2018-2021)
  • South Carolina PTA District 7 President (2014-2018)
  • Mt Gallant Elementary PTA President (2010-2014)
  • Mt Gallant Elementary PTA Treasurer (2008-2010) South Carolina PTA President-Elect (2021-2022)
Community Involvement

Current service includes:
  • Chairman,  Board of Trustees, Rock Hill Schools (2018-present, member since 2014)
  • Board member, CERRA-Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (2022-present)
  • Immediate Past President Palmetto Council, Scouting America (2023-Present), President 2020-2023, VP of Membership VP 2016-2020)
  • Board member, Bethelwoods Camp Inc. (2022-present)
  • South Carolina Teacher of the Year Judge (2023-present)
  • Member Kiwanis (2022-present)
  • Member SWEA- Swedish Women Educational Association (2003-present)
  • Troop 2552 Founding member and treasurer (2020-present)
Previous service includes: 
  • Board member, Rock Hill Schools Education foundation (2010-2014)
  • Chairman, The Girls Home Inc. (2005-2011)
  • Junior Woman’s Club Rock Hill, Treasurer (2006-2008)
  • Gala Chair, Heart to Heart Foundation (2018-2024)
Honors and Awards
  • Outstanding Boardmanship SC Schoolboards Association Level 6 (2023) 
  • Silver Beaver Award, Palmetto council, Scouting America (2023) 
  • York District Merit Award, Palmetto council, Scouting America (2022) 
  • Heart to Heart Foundation Volunteer of the Year (2021) 
  • Rock Hill Community Service Merit Award (2018) 
  • Rock Hill Schools volunteer of the Year (2012) 

Candidate Narrative

Twenty-eight years ago, I arrived in this country as a foreign exchange journalism student from Sweden with my future meticulously mapped out in my Filofax. Love and unexpected opportunities led me down a different path—one that ignited my passion for advocating for children and public education. 

With a professional background spanning numerous organizations, I have maintained a child-centered focus by transforming organizations through innovation during difficult times. As a state PTA president and local school board chair with sixteen years of experience, I understand both grassroots advocacy and policy-making. The PTA’s mission to unlock every child’s potential by engaging families and communities resonates deeply with me. Advocacy is not just a principle—it’s my commitment to ensuring all children have access to quality education and the support they need to thrive. 

I love the rich history of PTA, a cornerstone of advocacy for children and education. As we celebrate our past accomplishments, it is equally important to focus on the future and the opportunities ahead. My leadership style is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and strategic action. I believe in listening first, fostering inclusive dialogue, and empowering others to create lasting change and grow as leaders. I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of all PTA members, valuing diverse perspectives, and ensuring accountability. We can bridge communication gaps and strengthen collaboration between parents, schools, and communities by implementing effective strategies that build trust and engagement. 

Together, we can embrace innovation and research-based practices to drive meaningful change. My motivation for pursuing this role comes from a heartfelt belief that I can positively impact the lives of children and families. 

I look forward to serving you and humbly ask for your support as we work together to embody the PTA’s mission and values, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.