Like many who enter government or politics, Hayden Engert '26 said he wanted to help people. So, he decided to get in the game as early as possible.
Born and raised in the Northside neighborhood of Schenectady, Engert serves on the city’s Planning Commission. He was appointed by the mayor last fall at the age of 18, and is the youngest person ever to serve in the role. As a member of the Planning Commission, Engert is learning the ropes about zoning and codes, and is responsible for reviewing site plans, special-use permits, and subdivision plans. The group’s most significant recent task was issuing approval for the construction of a new Union College hockey facility near the Mohawk Harbor planned community.
“For me, it’s the best step I ever took,” he said. “It’s a great way to meet new people and have a say in where the city will go in the future. Everyone should have a voice, and by sharing ideas we can build off each other.”
His paid appointment didn’t come out of the blue: Engert has been active in Schenectady neighborhood associations and volunteer projects for years. At a spring cleanup last year, he approached a Schenectady City Council member about taking on a more formal role. He was referred to Mayor Gary McCarthy, who met with him and said he would keep an eye out for a good opportunity, which soon arose. Engert was sworn in to the commission in October 2022, and he is also a committee member for the Schenectady City Democrats and the Schenectady County Democrats.
Some city officials raised concerns about Engert’s young age and limited experience when he was first proposed for the commission, but Mayor McCarthy stood by his appointee. He wanted to help usher in a new generation of political leaders, and benefit the city with their fresh perspectives and insight.
When he’s not helping to plan the future of Schenectady, Engert is taking a full-time course load here at Siena. An accounting major/political science minor with a pre-law certificate, he just started a tax internship at the firm of Teal Becker Chiaramonte in Albany. He also assists every weekend with Volunteer Income Tax Assistant, helping low-income individuals file their taxes for free.
Engert’s four-year term on the commission runs through October 2026. By that time, he will most likely be in law school; he is also part of the Siena-Albany Law School 4+3 program.
For any Saints who might be considering getting involved in their communities, he advises to “get your neck out there and start networking.”
He recently rubbed elbows with his professor, Laurie Naranch, Ph.D., at a state training workshop in Saratoga. Naranch, department chair and professor of political science and international relations, calls Engert “a smart, thoughtful poli sci major student I am so happy to have as a fellow New York state public official.”
“I am not surprised that he was chosen for his Planning Commission role,” said Naranch, who serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Round Lake. “He has a bright future ahead in public service, or any career. I love that he is a role model for other younger officials!”
Engert could end up pursuing a career path in accounting, law or government. He might also end up running for office one day. Kayla Waters, CPA, teaching instructor of accounting, noted that he is honing his leadership skills by serving as an e-board member of the Beta Alpha Psi business honors society.
“Hayden consistently demonstrates exceptional organizational skills, time management, and an unwavering passion for personal and collective growth,” said Waters. “He is in charge of cultivating relationships for BAP with local high school and community college instructors, so our students can speak to local classes about their decision to enroll at Siena and choose accounting or finance as a major. His positive attitude is contagious and we are excited to see how our chapter will continue to grow with his help.”
