Yan Zhao is a current Saratoga City Councilmember and two-term Mayor. Prior to her election to the City Council, she served for eight years on the Saratoga Planning Commission and nine years on the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women.

Yan holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University.

She brings years of experience in the semiconductor industry, having worked in Silicon Valley across a range of organizations—from startups to top-tier companies. Her professional expertise spans chip design, technical marketing, business development, and sales.

Yan is the only candidate with a Real Estate Appraiser License from the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers.

 

Yan has over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, with expertise in Analog IC design, technical marketing, business development, and sales. She has worked for National Semiconductor Corporation, Rambus, and other top-tier companies.

In addition to her professional achievements, Yan has a long and distinguished record of community service. She is the recipient of numerous honors, including:

  • 2024 Woman of the Year from the California State Senate
  • 2014 Woman of the Year from the California State Assembly
  • 2024 Women of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal
  • The National Community Service Award
  • The California Asian Pacific Islander Women Leadership Award