Shelby Schneider

Shelby Schneider is the President and CEO of the Upstate Capital Association of New York, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing access to private equity and venture capital across Upstate New York. Appointed in March 2025, Schneider brings over two decades of experience in economic development, with a strong focus on fostering innovation and building collaborative communities.

Prior to her current role, Schneider served as Deputy Director of the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC), where she led strategic industry attraction efforts and expanded membership. She also held the position of President and CEO at the Saratoga Prosperity Partnership, and at the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, Schneider worked on transformational projects like the attraction of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), the predecessor of GlobalFoundries, to the Luther Forest Technology Campus. 

A native of Upstate New York, Schneider’s commitment to regional economic growth is deeply personal. She is dedicated to amplifying investment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship through high-impact events such as the New York Business Plan Competition and the Saratoga Forum. Her leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach, aiming to connect capital providers with innovative ventures to drive long-term prosperity in the region. 

Schneider holds a degree from Skidmore College and continues to be a champion for creating economic opportunity in Upstate, New York, where she was born and raised.