“Just be yourself.” This straightforward advice has guided Jennifer Becker throughout her 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Burbank, where she currently serves as Financial Services Director. During Women’s History Month, we highlight the journey of a former music student turned financial expert who is leading efforts to modernize city systems while planning significant projects such as the new Central Library and Civic Center. Her story exemplifies authentic leadership, collaborative decision-making, and a steadfast commitment to Burbank’s unique character. This article is part of a new series featuring Burbank leaders. Continue reading to learn more about her.
What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Just be yourself. You don’t have to approach a job or a leadership role the way somebody else did before you, because you’re not the same person. Trusting in your own skills and personal values and being confident in your own voice will allow you to lead with more authenticity and inspire others to do the same.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved?
I would describe my leadership style as collaborative. I like to gather as much input as possible and lean on the expertise of our amazing team so we can arrive at the best possible outcomes. Early in my career, I was more hesitant to make decisions or take risks — not a bad thing in finance, as you should be a bit risk averse! But, as I have gained more experience and grown in my role over the years, I’m much more confident in my decision-making and less fearful of making mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn and are just as important to acknowledge as your successes.
What is the biggest challenge your department currently faces, and how do you plan to tackle it?
Our department is truly a leader in the field of public finance, with one glaring exception, and that is our use of technology. We are currently running on a very old Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system that we implemented in preparation for Y2K (really!) and are still heavily reliant on paper forms and processes. We are at the beginning stages of a new ERP implementation process, and while it will require a ton of hours and effort on the part of multiple departments over the next couple of years, the end result will transform the way the City does business and I’m excited to be a part of it.
What do you find most rewarding about serving the Burbank community?
No question, it’s the people I work with. When you serve the same organization for 25 years, your coworkers become your family, and we have an amazing and talented group of employees here at every level of the organization that inspire me every day. When I’m at professional events around California and beyond, I often get asked why I’ve stayed at the same place for basically my entire career. It’s hard to articulate it, but if you live or work in this community you just know that Burbank is special.
Looking ahead five years, what is one thing you hope to accomplish for the city?
I want to help the new Central Library and Civic Center project come to fruition — this will be a transformative project for downtown Burbank and something the entire community can enjoy. When you do numbers for a living, you don’t often get the opportunity to see the tangible results of your work, and helping to finance major capital projects like this is one small way that I can leave a lasting impact on the City.
Outside of your official duties, what is your favorite way to spend a day in Burbank?
A perfect day in Burbank for me would definitely start with a breakfast burrito at Corner Cottage! I’m a big outdoors person, so I’d work off that burrito with a good long hike in the Verdugos, either from Stough Canyon or Wildwood Canyon to take in some beautiful views of the City. Afterwards, I might unwind with a coffee at Romancing the Bean or a beer at Tony’s Darts Away and do a little stroll through Magnolia Park.
Is there something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up in Central Florida and moved to California at 18 to go to USC and study clarinet performance. I also played in the Trojan Marching Band, which was the highlight of my college experience and ignited my passion for college football. I ultimately decided to pursue a career in something a bit more practical, but music is still my first love, and I enjoy playing whenever the opportunity arises, including last year’s USC Homecoming halftime show at the Coliseum!
