Service anniversary at the district administration The Oberbergischer Kreis congratulates Stefan Heße and Ralf Schmallenbach on their 40th service anniversary.

Oberbergischer Kreis.  This year, two department heads of the Oberbergischer Kreis celebrated their 40th service anniversary: Stefan Heße, Head of Central Services, Digitalization, Personnel and Education as well as General Representative of the District Administrator, and Ralf Schmallenbach, Head of Health, Youth, and Social Affairs.

Stefan Heße began his professional career on September 1, 1986, with dual studies at the Oberbergischer Kreis. Since then, he has held various positions within the district administration, accompanying and shaping its development over four decades. Today, as a department head, he is responsible for areas such as Central Services, Digitalization, Personnel, and Education, and also serves as the General Representative of the District Administrator and District Treasurer.

Stefan Heße particularly values the variety of topics he deals with in his role, as well as the resulting decision-making freedoms. The solidarity and mutual support among colleagues are important factors for Stefan Heße that characterize the work in the district administration: "Looking back, I can only say that special successes have always been a team effort, and I have been fortunate to often be part of the team."

District Administrator Klaus Grootens particularly emphasizes Stefan Heße's reliability: "Stefan Heße knows the district administration like few others. His many years of experience, his careful and calm demeanor, and his reliability make him an important contact person and advisor."

Outside of work, Stefan Heße is a family man. His dog also holds a special place in his daily life.

Ralf Schmallenbach also looks back on 40 years of professional experience. He has been with the Oberbergischer Kreis since 2016. Previously, he worked for many years in the healthcare sector at a health insurance company. He now brings his experiences from this field into his work as Head of Health, Youth, and Social Affairs.

Ralf Schmallenbach is particularly connected to the topics of health and social care in the Oberbergischer Kreis. Reflecting on his time with the Oberbergischer Kreis, he specifically mentions the project "Oberberg_FAIRsorgt," whose development and associated shared successes he is proud of. "It is especially the successes we achieve as a team that bring me joy in my work," says Schmallenbach. He also appreciates the varied tasks and the reliability of the employer in his work with the district.

District Administrator Klaus Grootens highlights Ralf Schmallenbach's drive and wealth of experience in the healthcare sector: "Ralf Schmallenbach brings his experience from the healthcare sector with great drive into his work for the Oberbergischer Kreis. His ambition and determination to make progress are important qualities."

Privately, Ralf Schmallenbach is active in sports, enjoys traveling, and spends a lot of time with his family.

The Oberbergischer Kreis warmly congratulates Stefan Heße and Ralf Schmallenbach on their 40th service anniversaries and thanks them for their many years of work and dedication to the district administration and the people of Oberbergischer.