As Director of Finance, Schnaider will oversee the city’s Finance Department, which manages Pasadena’s budget, accounting, treasury, revenue collection, purchasing and financial reporting.
The department also provides strategic financial guidance to the City Council and executive leadership team.
Schnaider is an ICMA Credentialed Manager with more than 20 years of experience in municipal finance, operations and strategic planning. She most recently served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Tracy, where she oversaw multiple departments including public works, utilities, community development services, transit, economic development, homelessness services, information technology, and parks and recreation. Tracy, a city of approximately 100,000 residents, operates with a $351 million budget.
During her tenure in Tracy, Schnaider led the implementation of the city’s Housing Element and General Plan, guided major capital and infrastructure investments, and secured significant state, federal and philanthropic funding to support community priorities.
Prior to her role as Assistant City Manager, Schnaider served as Tracy’s Director of Finance and Technology. There, she directed bond financing and special tax district programs, advanced long-term fiscal sustainability strategies, strengthened financial transparency, and established the city’s first Innovation and Technology Department.
Her earlier experience includes serving as Finance Director for the cities of Benicia and Sierra Madre, as well as holding finance and accounting roles with Pasadena Unified School District and the City of San Diego.
“Karin brings a rare combination of deep municipal finance expertise, strategic leadership experience, and a collaborative style that will serve our city well,” City Manager Miguel Márquez said in a statement. “She understands how to align financial strategy with council priorities, deliver complex projects, and communicate clearly with staff, stakeholders, and the community. She will be an outstanding partner to our departments and a strong steward of the city’s resources.”
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 active in statewide and national professional organizations focused on municipal finance, revenue and taxation policy, and local government leadership. She has also served on regional and statewide committees focused on infrastructure funding and community services, and has presented at professional conferences on fiscal sustainability and best practices in local government.
“I am honored to join the City of Pasadena as Director of Finance,” Schnaider said in the release. “I am excited to join and lead a talented and high-performing department. 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.”
Schnaider added that she and her family are eager to come back to the area.
“Pasadena has always been home for me, my husband, and our boys, and we are excited to return to Southern California,” she said. “We love the education, arts, sports, parade experiences, and volunteer opportunities that make the city culturally rich. I am grateful for the chance to serve Pasadena.”
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