Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is the Finance Director for the City of Duluth, MN. She is a Certified Public Accountant with an undergraduate degree in accounting and graduate degrees in business administration and management. Jen has worked in government finance for 20 years, including the past decade with the City of Duluth.

Before being appointed Finance Director, Jen served as the City's Budget Manager. In that role, she championed the implementation of Priority Based Budgeting, developed departmental forecasting tools, and helped strategically guide the City through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Finance Director, Jen continues to lead the City through complex financial landscapes by developing strategic tools, monitoring key economic indicators, and creating sustainable funding plans.

Dedicated to giving back to the causes and organizations that have played a meaningful role in her life, Jen serves on several boards and commissions, including the GFOA Committee on Governmental Budgeting and Fiscal Policy, the University of Minnesota Debt Management Advisory Committee, the City of Duluth’s Special Assessment Board, Equity Action Team, and Sustainability Advisory Team. She also volunteers at the Ruth House, a ministry supporting individuals facing addiction and homelessness.

Jen was recently elected to the Executive Board of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).