Business Development Officer.
Mother. From Papenburg.
Three roles, one home.
Born in Papenburg, grew up in Dörpen, lives in Obenende. Married, with two children. Over 25 years’ professional experience in business and public administration, including more than 15 years in management and eight years as the town’s business development officer. Currently Managing Director of the Emsland Business Association. And a candidate for the office of mayor in 2026.
Personal
I'm Sabrina …
… and that’s my life.
I live with my husband and our two children in Obenende in a detached house. Our two cats live with us in the house … and, since last year, our dog Nala.
I grew up with three sisters in the neighbouring village Dörpen. My dad was a bricklayer and later a hydraulic engineer, and my mom was a homemaker and a cleaning lady. My husband was born in Papenburg and comes from the Lüchtenburg, Top end.
In 2006, we left the Emsland region to gain further professional experience. At the same time, I was studying business administration part-time. After about 5 years in Austria we have Papenburg deliberately chosen as a home. This is where we have our roots. This is where people who mean a great deal to us live.
As a child and teenager, I was passionate about athletics and volleyball … and I really enjoyed going on camps. Today, I find great fulfilment in various voluntary activities. I enjoy Wheel, go to ride, I enjoy being out in nature and appreciate the interaction and lively community spirit in our town.
And every now and then, I feel the call of distant places … so I like to spend my holidays by the sea and, sometimes, in the mountains too.
Why I’m standing for election
I was listening.
… and then made a decision.
Over the past few months, I have mainly been listening – in local businesses, in community groups, and on the streets. Papenburg has no shortage of ideas, but rather a lack of action. Many important issues have been left unaddressed.
I speak frankly about the state of the city, even if the answer is uncomfortable. And I speak in a way that’s easy to understand, not in bureaucratic jargon. It’s not the person who says the words who makes things happen. It’s the person who answers the phone and delivers.
I don’t promise miracles, but I do promise commitment. The day after the election, I will do exactly what I said I would do the day before the election.
What matters to me
I OFFER, I AM and I WOULD LIKE TO
… and that’s my compass.
What I offer …
Over 25 years of professional experience in business and public administration. More than 15 of them in leadership positions.
Who I am …
Committed, determined and responsible. As someone who shapes things, I deliver goals and projects proactively and reliably, preferably as part of a team.
What I want …
To use my strengths and pass my knowledge on to others. I can bring people together and start something great. I want to support businesses, back people and clubs, and shape our town of Papenburg together with you.
Values such as …
Community, trust, fairness, appreciation and openness matter enormously to me.
I stand for …
Reliability, responsibility and a sense of togetherness that gives direction and makes the future possible.
Career History
Over 25 years in business and administration
from 1998 to the present day.
Graduate in Business Administration (University of Applied Sciences) with further training as a business coach (IHK). 7 roles, 2 countries, 1 clear focus: understanding business, building structures, bringing people together.
- May 2024up to today
Managing Director
Emsland Business Association e.V. + Emsland Foundation for Work and Family, Meppen
Executive role at a regional business association. And, from early 2026: standing for election as mayor of Papenburg.
- June 2016up to March 2024
Business Development Officer
City of Papenburg
Head of Corporate Affairs. Supervisory Board of Seaports of Niedersachsen. Key achievements: Value Port Papenburg (81 ha), Economic Development Strategy 2018/2022, the digital marketplace Papenburg with click and collect, built during the coronavirus period and honoured with the ‘Digital Places in Lower Saxony’ award. Development and launch of the Papenburg voucher, including a baby package. Business Coach (Chamber of Industry and Commerce).
- March 2012up to May 2016
Strategic Purchaser
Ems PreCab, Papenburg (a subsidiary of Meyer Werft)
A deliberate return to Papenburg. Building up the supplier network for Meyer Werft. Gaining an inside understanding of the shipyard site.
- January 2008up to February 2012
Head of Purchasing
UPM-Kymmene, Steyrermühl, Austria
Four years’ experience in international procurement. Completed a degree in Business Administration (FH).
- December 2006up to December 2007
Specialist buyer
Voith Siemens, Austria
Moved abroad to gain new professional experience. Began studying business administration part-time.
- July 2000up to October 2006
Specialist buyer
UPM-Kymmene Nordland Papier, Dörpen
Six years’ experience in industrial procurement in the region. Took on initial responsibility for supplier relations.
- August 1998up to June 2000
Commercial Apprenticeship
Nordland Papier, Dörpen
Apprenticeship in an industrial company. Here, I’m learning about supply chains and the reality of factory life from the ground up.
I left of my own accord. Now I’m coming back because people have asked me if I’d be willing to take on responsibility and help rebuild the city.