Our Staff

Maureen Neufeld recently joined the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation as the Executive Director, with 18 years of experience in non-profit management, fundraising, and events. She is excited to make connections with the business owners and residents of downtown Schenectady to highlight the incredible opportunities throughout the city, for dining, shopping, culture, history and more. Maureen most recently served as the Director of Development of Playhouse Stage Company (Park Playhouse & Cohoes Music Hall) and is an active committee member of several health and human services throughout the Capital Region. She is eager to engage in the vibrant Downtown Schenectady scene and to continue to advance this great city forward with innovative ideas and strong partnerships throughout the community.

Carney, the new Director of Operations, will be primarily responsible for the management of the DSIC’s outdoor program, which includes a dedicated team that enhances the visual appeal of downtown Schenectady through daily cleaning and maintenance of sidewalks and streets, seasonal plantings, decorations and more.

Carney has more than 20 years of experience in all areas of hospitality, including operations, workforce development, community relations and marketing. She was instrumental in the opening of Rivers Casino, The Landing Hotel, The Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Med and the Recovery Sports Grill. Before stepping in as interim director of the DSIC, she was an assistant to Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy.

Gail joined the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation in 2007 as Program Assistant and now serves as Operations Manager. Gail coordinates the day-to-day operations of the office and provides administrative assistance to the Environmental Enhancement program. She also coordinates the Hometown Heroes Banner Program and researches and composes the “Downtown Schenectady This Week” e-newsletter, which spotlights weekly events and activities in the district.

A new transplant to the Capital Region, Sarah joins the DSIC team as the Marketing & Development Coordinator, with more than ten years of experience in communications, having most recently served as the Marketing & Special Events Coordinator for the City of Rome, NY. She served as a team member of the Department of Community & Economic Development. She also has more than four years in coordinating community-wide events, such as block parties, concert series and outdoor movie nights. Sarah takes pride in fostering impactful relationships with champions of the community and has a passion for bringing people together while telling a story. She’s excited to advocate for Downtown Schenectady and all the opportunities that are available!