New Director Appointed by Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp

Neufeld officially assumed her new role on Monday.

She takes over from interim director Carney McGuire, having most recently served as the director of development for the Playhouse ‌Stage Co., a Cohoes-based theater company that oversees⁤ the​ Cohoes Music Hall.

From 2015 to 2018, Neufeld held a similar role at⁢ the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall before transitioning to the Palace Theatre in Albany as the company’s education coordinator.

She joined​ the Playhouse Stage⁢ Co. in May 2021.

McGuire stepped into⁣ the interim director role at DSIC last August, following⁤ the ​departure of‌ former executive director Jim Salengo, who had been with the organization for 15 years.

“I am incredibly excited⁤ to be part of the ⁤Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation and to help showcase the‍ vibrant and beautiful downtown area,” Neufeld expressed ‍in a statement. “The city is brimming with unique shops, eateries, cultural landmarks, and historical sites that make it a wonderful ‌place to live, work, and enjoy. I am ‌eager to bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table that ⁤will highlight our city,​ celebrate the amazing work being done, and foster new partnerships for the future.”

Neufeld, a Voorheesville native with a Bachelor ‍of Arts degree from the University at Buffalo, currently calls Niskayuna home.

Schenectady Mayor Gary ⁤McCarthy revealed on Monday ‍that he is set to meet with Neufeld for the first time this week.

“She​ comes with high recommendations,” McCarthy said of Neufeld. “She underwent a‍ thorough process ‌with the DSIC board and I am eager to collaborate ​with her.”

McGuire will continue‍ to serve DSIC in the newly created role of director of operations.

“This ensures continuity of institutional knowledge and maintains a strong team,” McCarthy added.

DSIC is a private non-profit organization dedicated to drawing visitors to the city’s downtown area through beautification projects ‌and events like the annual Soup Stroll and Wing​ Walk culinary tours.

In October, the group introduced the new Jay Square park, a public green space situated on the former site of ⁣100-1004 Jay St., where a tragic fire in 2015 claimed the lives ⁣of four city residents.

“We ​are delighted to have someone as dynamic as Maureen as the executive director of the DSIC,” said Heather Peterson, chair of the DISC board of directors. “Her passion and innovative ideas for the downtown area impressed us, and her positive and​ enthusiastic attitude is ⁤contagious. She will⁤ be an excellent advocate and promoter for all that our downtown has to offer.”