Generational change in financial management

Afteralmost twelve years as treasurer and head of the finance department at Jena City Council, Martin Berger is handing over responsibility to Jennifer Michall. The experienced financial expert is taking over with a great deal of commitment and a clear goal in mind: to shape the city's finances in a strategic and future-oriented manner.

Staffelstab der Finanzen übergeben: Jennifer Michall übernimmt von Martin Berger die Funktion als Kämmerin der Stadt Jena – mit symbolischen Glaskugeln, den "hochwissenschaftlichen Instrumenten zur Haushaltsplanung".

© Stadt Jena

A look back: Martin Berger's milestones

Martin Berger has played a key role in shaping the City of Jena's financial policy since February 2013. Among other things, he was responsible for seven double budgets, the lead development of the "Scenario 2030" growth and finance strategy and the successful application for the Smart City model project. As head of the stadium project, he also oversaw one of the city's largest construction projects until its inauguration in summer 2024. "The ability to think strategically and be persuasive are essential in this position," emphasizes Berger. With his move to the Smart City model project, he will devote himself fully to the further development of the urban data platform "WISSENsAllmende". He has nothing but praise for his successor, whom he knows is perfectly prepared, and recommends: "Stay true to yourself!"

The new woman of numbers: Jennifer Michall

Jennifer Michall is no stranger to the city administration. After completing her dual studies in public management at the Gera Eisenach Cooperative State University - with the city of Jena as her practice partner and training company - she started in the Finance department in 2016. Since then, she has held various positions of responsibility, most recently as Team Leader Budget Management. "I'm looking forward to actively shaping the city's financial policy together with my team and external partners," she explains. There are plenty of challenges: from setting up group-wide risk management and introducing a committee for accompanying budget management, to improving annual liquidity planning and further developing knowledge management. Michall relies on teamwork and strategic decisions that move Jena forward in the long term.

A heartfelt thank you

"Martin Berger has shaped the finances of the City of Jena over many years with tireless commitment, great expertise and remarkable foresight. His work was always characterized by a clear strategic focus and a deep sense of responsibility for the sustainable development of the city. I would like to express my sincere thanks to him for this on behalf of the entire city administration, but also personally," emphasizes Mayor and Head of Finance Christian Gerlitz. "With Jennifer Michall, a committed and extremely competent successor is now ready to take on this important task with fresh ideas and clear goals. I am convinced that she will not only successfully manage the transition with her skills and drive, but will also provide new impetus. I wish her all the best and every success."