Karin Schnaider (Photo – cityofpasadena)
The City of Pasadena has selected Karin Schnaider as its next Director of Finance after a nationwide search that attracted a pool of highly experienced public sector finance professionals.
By News Desk
Karin Schnaider will begin her new role on Monday, December 1. As Director of Finance, she will oversee the City’s Finance Department, which is responsible for managing Pasadena’s budget, accounting, treasury, revenue collection, purchasing, and financial reporting. She will also provide strategic financial guidance to the City Council and the executive leadership team.
Schnaider is an accomplished municipal executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in finance, operations, and strategic planning. She is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, and her previous roles include Assistant City Manager for the City of Tracy, where she led a $351 million budget and oversaw a wide range of departments such as public works, utilities, community development, transit, and parks and recreation.
While at Tracy, Schnaider guided major infrastructure investments, implemented the City’s Housing Element and General Plan, and secured state, federal, and philanthropic funding to support critical community priorities. In her earlier role as Director of Finance and Technology in Tracy, she advanced long-term fiscal sustainability strategies, led bond financing programs, and established the City’s first Innovation and Technology Department.
Before Tracy, Schnaider served as Finance Director for the cities of Benicia and Sierra Madre, and held finance and accounting positions with the Pasadena Unified School District and the City of San Diego.
Schnaider holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from San Diego State University and a Master of Public Policy Administration from California State University, Long Beach. She has been actively involved in statewide and national professional organizations focused on municipal finance and local government leadership.
“Karin brings a rare combination of deep municipal finance expertise, strategic leadership experience, and a collaborative style that will serve our city well,” said City Manager Miguel Márquez. “She understands how to align financial strategy with council priorities, deliver complex projects, and communicate clearly with staff, stakeholders, and the community.”
“I am honored to join the City of Pasadena as Director of Finance,” said Schnaider. “I look forward to working closely with the City Council, the executive team, the Finance staff, and our community partners to continue enhancing Pasadena’s long-term fiscal sustainability through thoughtful planning, innovation, and a strong commitment to service. Pasadena has always been home for me, my husband, and our boys, and we are excited to return to Southern California.”
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