David Helmer – SESHA Fellow

David Helmer began his career in the semiconductor industry in 1980 when he joined Mostek Corporation in Carrolton, Texas. In 1983, he transferred to the Mostek plant in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and shortly thereafter became active in the Semiconductor Safety Association (SSA), which later became SESHA. From 1985 to 1994, he was EH&S; Manager for United Technologies Microelectronics Center (UTMC) in Colorado Springs and in 1994, David joined Atmel Corporation in Colorado Springs where is he is presently Manager of Environmental, Health, Safety and Security.

In the mid-1980’s, there was a movement within the association to put more emphasis on local and regional chapters and expand the organization beyond an annual conference. The concept gathered momentum and new chapters were started in multiple regions across the country. David became the Regional Director for the Rocky Mountain Chapter, held that position for about ten years, and continues to be involved in the Rocky Mountain Chapter planning team. In the early 1990’s David was elected to the National Board of Directors and served two, three year terms. David coordinated the annual conference 5K fun run for about seven years and has been a speaker in the Symposium’s Boot Camp sessions on several occasions. David has also served as co-chair of the Colorado Springs Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) since 1996.

David believes that although things have changed in the industry over the last 20+ years, SESHA continues to be the BEST source of knowledge and information in the EH&S; field for hi-tech companies and EH&S; professionals. That source of information comes in many different packages, including but not limited to regional conferences, the national conference, the publications, but most of all the SESHA members themselves.

David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and received his Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Texas A&M; University at Commerce in Commerce, Texas. David and his wife Sherry have been married since 1975. They have three children, Ryan, Rachel and Regan. David enjoys working in the yard and attending his kid’s athletic events. David and his wife are actively involved in their church, Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs.