Nashville Welcomes Back Jenneen Kaufman Reed as New Finance Director
Nashville has some exciting news to share! The city is set to welcome back Jenneen Kaufman Reed as its new finance director in January. Mayor Freddie O’Connell made the announcement on Friday morning, and it already has our community buzzing with enthusiasm.
A Familiar Face Returns
Jenneen isn’t a stranger to Metro government. She previously served as the deputy director of finance from 2021 to 2023 and even stepped in as acting finance director right at the start of Mayor O’Connell’s term. After a brief stint at the Nashville Symphony, which she joined in November 2023, Jenneen is ready to dive back into the role she loves.
When asked about her return, Reed said, “This means the world to me. It’s a true honor and privilege for me to have this opportunity to serve the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County, and I’m looking forward to doing an incredible job.” Her passion for the community shines through her words, and it’s clear she’s thrilled to be back.
A Wealth of Experience
With a career that spans over 24 years with the Tennessee Titans—where she served as senior vice president and CFO without a hitch for the last 12 years—Reed brings a treasure trove of experience to the finance director position. Before her time with the Titans, she embarked on her professional journey at Arthur Andersen in the audit division in 1992, followed by a role as the vice president of finance for the American Cancer Society from 1995 to 1997.
She believes this broad experience is key, stating, “I think that breadth of experience, and that wide range of experience, will really be the cornerstone for my success in this role.” It’s hard to argue with that! With such a solid background, Jenneen is well-poised to tackle her new responsibilities.
Goals Ahead
As Reed steps into her new role, she has some clear goals in sight. One of the top priorities she mentioned is bringing stability to the finance director role itself. “During my three years, I had three different directors, and to bring some stability to that finance director role is really important for the staff in the finance area, but I think it’s also crucial for the citizens of Nashville,” she said. This commitment to continuity could be a game-changer for Nashville’s financial team.
Mayor O’Connell also expressed his appreciation for Kevin Crumbo, who has served as the interim finance director. Crumbo played a significant part in the successful passage of the capital spending plan and the fiscal year 2025 operating budget. O’Connell remarked, “I want to express my gratitude to Director Crumbo for his diligent work to ensure the strong financial position Metro enjoys today.” The transition is set to be seamless, thanks in part to Crumbo’s leadership.
A Smooth Transition
Speaking of transitions, Reed also took a moment to commend her predecessors for their hard work, highlighting the foundation they laid for her to take charge. While she’s excited about rejoining the Metro Finance Department, she also acknowledged that the Nashville Symphony has already started searching for her successor.
As the city gears up for this change, it’s clear that Jenneen Kaufman Reed is ready to hit the ground running. Her dedication and experience promise to bring fresh energy to Nashville’s finances, ensuring the city continues on a path toward growth and stability.
With her return, Nashville is set for a brighter financial future, and we can’t wait to see the positive impacts she will have in her new role. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success for our fabulous city!
