Personnel changes in the city administration

Personelle Neuaufstellung in Jena: (v.l.) Sportdezernent Johannes Schleußner, der neue Sportbeauftragte Matthias Weißbrodt, Vanessa Baum als neue persönliche Referentin sowie Bürgermeister und Dezernent Benjamin Koppe

The city of Jena is reorganizing its personnel: On May 1, 2025, Vanessa Baum took over the role of personal assistant to the Mayor and Head of Finance, Security and Citizen Services, Benjamin Koppe. She succeeds Dorothea Prell, who has been working in parallel as project manager for the Jena Smart City project since April 2023.

Vanessa Baum has been the city's sports officer since 2013. In this role, she was involved in sports development planning and played a key role in the opening of the new indoor swimming pool. Her strategic thinking and strong commitment to local politics have had a lasting impact on sports development in Jena.

Mayor Benjamin Koppe welcomes the new personal advisor with great appreciation: "I have a very good and trusting working relationship with Vanessa Baum from her time as sports commissioner. I am therefore all the more pleased to have won her over for this central function. She will now contribute her extensive experience in the organization of municipal projects - especially in sport - as well as her broad network with a view to city-wide issues."

Baum's move is accompanied by an organizational change in the area of sport: since the beginning of 2025, the area of sport has been assigned to the Department of Education, Youth and Culture under the leadership of Johannes Schleußner.

"Our aim is to continue to promote sport in Jena strongly, effectively and sustainably - in close coordination with all sports policy stakeholders," says Schleußner. As part of this realignment, the structure of the sports department will be reviewed, but the existing functions will be retained. The new sports commissioner is Matthias Weißbrodt, who has been working in the city's sports department for many years and knows the issues and structures inside out. He has already worked closely with the sports commissioner and deputized for her at times. "An orderly handover is ensured, as is a continuous exchange on sports policy issues," emphasizes Schleußner.

Dorothea Prell, previously a personal assistant in the finance department, will also be bid farewell with thanks by Mayor Koppe:

"Dorothea Prell is a highly valued colleague whose expertise and commitment have enriched our department for many years. With her work in the 5G model project and the introduction of a night culture representative, she has provided valuable impetus. I would like to thank her warmly for her outstanding work and am delighted that she will remain with us as Smart City Officer."

In conclusion, Mayor Benjamin Koppe and Head of Sports Johannes Schleußner expressly thanked Vanessa Baum for her many years of dedicated work as Sports Officer for the City of Jena.

"Ms. Baum has supported and developed Jena's sport with her heart, expertise and great personal commitment. We wish her every success in her new role and look forward to working with her in the future," said Koppe.

Schleußner emphasizes:

"Due to the great personnel responsibility that I have as head of department, it is important to me to support my employees in their career goals. New professional tasks and prospects are now opening up for both Ms. Baum and Mr. Weißbrodt. I wish them both a successful start and every success in their new roles."