City Officials

Mike Bernsen - Chief Financial Officer

PERSONAL: I was born in Beaumont, Texas.  I have three children and six grandchildren ranging in ages from 2 to 14. With one exception, they all live around the Jackson area.  My youngest grandchild lives in Santa
Barbara, CA.  I received a BBA degree in Accounting from Lamar University in my hometown.  My Mom, four siblings, and 17 nieces and nephews still live in Texas.

EXPERIENCE: I worked for APAC for 26 years attaining the position of Regional Chief Financial Officer. Before settling down here in Columbus, my career included several relocations including stints in Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Golf, reading, and trips to the beach – probably in that order. However, if I could play golf at the beach with a good book in the golf cart, I’d be in Nirvana.

VISION FOR COLUMBUS:  As the financial officer of the City,  my department is dedicated to achieving and maintaining fiscal compliance with the State Auditor's office.  The Finance Department will endeavor to make the budgeting process as accurate and effectual as possible. 

Columbus has so much to offer anyone who just wants to visit or make it their home.  Our little town is the epitome of Southern living and we are scrutinized by potential residents and businesses on a daily basis.  Too often, unfortunately, we forget (or don’t care) that our actions as citizens reflect our municipal personality to the WORLD. I don’t think enough people understand what a special corner of the world we inhabit here in ‘Possum Town.

I would like to see Columbus “flaunt its stuff” and become the place to go for experiencing southern graciousness, quaintness, natural beauty, and, at times, a wonderfulfestive atmosphere.  It would be wonderful to have folks look at us and say, “Columbus sounds too good to be true,”  and then discover we are for REAL.