Shaifali Puri

Ms. Shaifali Puri is the Executive Director of Scientists Without Borders, a global partnership that aims to improve the quality of life in the developing world by linking, mobilizing, and coordinating science-based activities, initiatives, and resources.

Prior to being named Executive Director of Scientists Without Borders, Ms. Puri was the Senior Advisor to the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Empire State Development Corporation, the economic and development arm of the State of New York. In that capacity, she helped to supervise the operations of the 550-employee agency with a $50 million annual operating budget and $500 million program and capital budget, to devise and direct strategy for major development projects in the state, and to negotiate significant deals and investments with major corporations across New York. Ms. Puri also worked closely with the Governor of New York, other elected officials, and multiple non-governmental stakeholders to design and execute strategic economic development projects, policies, and public/private partnerships. Prior to joining the Empire State Development Corporation, she was an Assistant Solicitor General for the State of New York. Earlier in her career, she was a journalist at Fortune magazine

She received her AB with honors from Princeton University and her law degree with distinction from Stanford Law School. She is a former law clerk to the Hon. Amalya L. Kearse of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.