Pioneer Bank has announced a strategic expansion of its commercial banking division with the appointment of Heidi Knoblauch as the new Venture and Growth Banking Relationship Manager. This move underscores Pioneer Bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the burgeoning startup ecosystem within the Capital Region, including key areas like Clifton Park.
Heidi Knoblauch brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to Pioneer Bank, having successfully launched and managed her own ventures, including Plumb Oyster Bar in Troy and Receipt HQ, a receipt management service. Her firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by startups and high-growth companies makes her ideally suited to drive Pioneer Bank’s venture and growth banking initiatives, benefiting businesses across the Capital Region and potentially extending to areas like Clifton Park.
Beyond her entrepreneurial successes, Knoblauch has a strong track record of public service, most recently serving as chairperson for both the City of Troy’s Industrial Development Authority and its Local Development Corporation. This experience in economic and workforce development within the Capital Region will be invaluable as she explores public-private partnerships to stimulate economic growth throughout Upstate New York, including communities surrounding Clifton Park.
Thomas Amell, President and CEO of Pioneer Bank, emphasized the significance of this appointment, stating, “Heidi’s arrival is a pivotal step for Pioneer Bank as we enhance our commercial banking division. As a successful entrepreneur and small business owner herself, Heidi’s insights and expertise will be instrumental in serving not only Pioneer Bank but also the dynamic startup community in the Capital Region, including areas where we have a strong presence like Clifton Park.”
In her new role, Knoblauch will collaborate closely with Rob Nichols, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development at Pioneer Bank. Together, they will focus on supporting high-growth industries that are shaping the future of the region, such as AI, gaming, clean technology, and the creative economy. Pioneer Bank is dedicated to providing tailored financial solutions that these innovative companies require to thrive. These services include comprehensive cash and risk management, access to debt and equity capital, efficient treasury management, strategic investment services, robust employee benefits, and expert HR consulting. This comprehensive suite of services is designed to support businesses throughout the Capital Region, from Albany to Saratoga and including the growing business hub of Clifton Park.
“I am thrilled to leverage my experience in the startup sector to assist other companies in the Capital Region and across Upstate New York in achieving their ambitions,” said Heidi Knoblauch, Pioneer Bank’s Venture and Growth Banking Relationship Manager. “The prosperity of businesses within the Capital Region is a personal priority, and I know it is a shared commitment at Pioneer Bank. I am eager to contribute fresh perspectives and energy to help Pioneer Bank excel in this important endeavor, supporting businesses in communities like Clifton Park and beyond.”
Prior to her entrepreneurial roles, Knoblauch held positions at Bard College and the City University of New York, demonstrating her diverse background and intellectual depth. Her accomplishments have been recognized by Albany Business Review’s 40 under 40, IGNITEU Accelerator’s Best Pitch, and the YWCA’s Resourceful Woman Award, among others. She holds a Ph.D. from Yale University, further highlighting her expertise and credibility in her field.
Pioneer Bank’s strategic hiring of Heidi Knoblauch signals a strong investment in the future of venture and growth banking within the Capital Region, reaffirming their dedication to supporting businesses and economic development in areas like Clifton Park and across Upstate New York.
