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Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. (DSIC) names new executive director and new director of operations
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Feb. 5, 2024 – Maureen Neufeld has been named executive director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC), the organization’s board of directors announced.
Neufeld takes over for Carney McGuire, who had been serving as interim director since August. Neufeld begins her new role today.
Neufeld has more than 18 years of experience in non-profit management for performing arts venues and service to health and human services organizations in the Capital Region.
She most recently was director of development for the Playhouse Stage Co., a theater company based in Cohoes, and manages the Cohoes Music Hall. Its summer home is the Park Playhouse in Albany.
She has also served as director of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and development and special projects manager for the Palace Performing Arts Center, Inc.
“We are excited to welcome someone as dynamic as Maureen as the executive director of the DSIC,” said Heather Peterson, chair of the DSIC’s board of directors. “We were impressed with the passion and ideas she has for the downtown, and she has an incredibly positive and enthusiastic demeanor that is infectious. She will be a fantastic advocate and promoter for all that our downtown has to offer.”
Working with its partners, including the City of Schenectady and the Schenectady County Metroplex Authority, the DSIC is a private non-profit organization committed to making the downtown a premier and vibrant destination. It provides vital services to benefit property owners, businesses, residents and visitors. This includes providing daily supplemental beautification services, enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the district and making people feel welcomed and safe. The DSIC also hosts many popular events that bring thousands of visitors downtown, including Wing Walk, the Schenectady Soup Stroll and Schenectady Restaurant Week.
“I am thrilled to join the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation and to promote the downtown as the exciting and beautiful destination that it is,” said Neufeld. “The city is rich with unique shops, restaurants, culture and history that make it an incredible place to live, work and play. I look forward to collaborating on exciting ideas that will promote our city and put a spotlight on all of the incredible work being done, and create new partnerships for the future.”
Originally from Voorheesville, Neufeld lives in Niskayuna with her husband, Andrew, and the couple’s two children, Hadley and Connor. She has volunteered with numerous charities and organizations across the Capital Region, including The American Red Cross, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and The Regional Food Bank.
She has a bachelor of arts degree from the University at Buffalo.
“I am happy to welcome Maureen Neufeld to the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation as the new executive director,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. “Her experience and knowledge will help continue the great work DSIC has done in promoting and marketing downtown, while also bringing new ideas and innovation to this important organization.”
Also today, the DSIC also announced that McGuire will remain with the organization as its director of operations, a new position. As director, McGuire 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.
McGuire 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.
Originally from Long Island, N.Y., McGuire resides in Schenectady with her husband, Duane Beach, and their rescue pup, Gracie. She is active in several volunteer initiatives that benefit the City of Schenectady and currently serves on the board of directors of Gallery 5, an art initiative that will host its third show in June.
She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Oswego.
“We are grateful for the outstanding job Carney did as interim director during our transition,” Peterson said. “We are delighted she will stay on in a new role that will benefit from all of her talents and skills. Carney cares deeply for our people, who are out in the streets every day doing whatever it takes to enhance the cleanliness and beautification of our downtown.
“In Maureen and Carney, the DSIC is excited to begin a new era with bold, innovative leaders with fresh perspectives who will work tirelessly to promote and foster an energetic downtown.”
To learn more about the DSIC, visit its website.