Exciting Changes in Nashville: Meet the New Director of Metro Finance
Great news, Nashville! Our city is welcoming a familiar face into a key role. Jenneen Kaufman Reed has been officially appointed as the new director of the Metro Finance Department. The Metro Council confirmed her position unanimously during a recent meeting, and she’ll step into this critical role in January, taking over from interim finance director Kevin Crumbo. Reed brings a wealth of experience, having worked in finance for over 30 years, including roles as deputy finance director and chief accountant here in Nashville.
Strong Community Support
Reed’s confirmation comes after a thorough selection process. On October 1, she was interviewed by the Rules, Confirmations, and Public Elections Committee, where she impressed everyone with her deep understanding of financial processes. She received a unanimous 7-0 vote in favor of her appointment. It’s clear that her connection to the city’s financial landscape will play a huge role in shaping her leadership approach.
A Vision for Stability
During her interview, Reed shared an important insight from her time at Metro: “While I was here at Metro, I had three different finance directors. And when you’re constantly changing directors, it’s really hard to get into a rhythm and feel secure in that role.” This commitment to providing continuity and stability for the finance team will be her priority moving forward. It’s reassuring to know Nashville will have a consistent leader during these exciting yet challenging times.
Innovative Changes on the Horizon
One of the innovative ideas Reed is eager to implement is the integration of Oracle Cloud. She believes this will streamline operations and cut down on unnecessary “paper shuffling.” But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The upcoming challenges facing the Metro Finance Department are significant and intriguing. The transit referendum, which will be on the ballot this November, has been a hot topic and will carry an estimated cost of about $3.1 billion if approved.
Addressing Major City Needs
As part of the transit discussion, the East Bank development is forecasted to cost $227 million for its corresponding infrastructure. It looks like Nashville is taking its plans seriously, and it’s not just the transit that’s in focus. Reed will also be overseeing the budget process, which will ramp up as all departments prepare their requests by early February. As city projects continue to develop, the need for strategic financial planning becomes even more critical.
Big Projects Ahead
Speaking of major projects, let’s not forget about the new Titans stadium, which is a colossal $2.1 billion initiative. The cost is being split among the city and state, with Metro assuming $760 million in bonds. Reed’s experience is particularly valuable here, having spent 23 years as the senior vice president and chief financial officer for the Tennessee Titans. Her in-depth experience uniquely positions her to navigate the financial aspects of this high-stakes project.
A Season of Opportunity
As Jenneen Kaufman Reed steps into her new role, she brings not just her impressive resume but also a forward-thinking vision aimed to foster financial stability and innovation. “There’s a lot of… opportunities to really bring my skill set, to bring continued financial stability to this role,” she noted. With a career that spans public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she’s all set to lead Nashville through this season of progress.
As we prepare for this new chapter, we can feel optimistic about the direction in which Nashville is headed under the steady hand of Reed. Here’s to new beginnings!
