Skip to main content
About me

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, 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.

Sabrina Wendt — Candidate for Mayor of Papenburg 2026

Personal

I'm Sabrina …

… and that’s my life.

I live with my husband and our two children in Upper end 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 mum was a housewife and a cleaner at the school. 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.

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.

I am offering …

Over 25 years’ professional experience in business and administration, including over 15 years in management. I know the business world from every angle: from the operational side, from the funding side, and from a family perspective.

I am …

A creative thinker and a doer. I take a proactive approach, make decisions and reliably achieve the goals set, preferably as part of a team.

I would like to …

Bringing people together and launching something brilliant. Promoting businesses, supporting clubs, and shaping Papenburg together with you.

Values such as …

Community, trust and respect underpin everything I do.

I stand for …

Reliability, responsibility and a spirit of cooperation that provides direction and paves the way for the future.

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 the industry, building structures, bringing people together.

  1. August 1998
    up 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.

  2. July 2000
    up 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.

  3. December 2006
    up to December 2007

    Specialist buyer

    Voith Siemens, Austria

    Moved abroad to gain new professional experience. Began studying business administration part-time.

  4. January 2008
    up to February 2012

    Head of Purchasing

    UPM-Kymmene, Steyrermühl, Austria

    Four years’ experience in international procurement. Completed a degree in Business Administration (FH).

  5. March 2012
    up 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.

  6. June 2016
    up 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, ‘Digital Places in Lower Saxony’ programme. Development and launch of the Papenburg voucher, including a baby package. Business Coach (Chamber of Industry and Commerce).

  7. May 2024
    up 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.

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.

… Sabrina

Find out about my areas of specialism.

six in total.

View key areas Meet me