The administrative board of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District
The administrative board (Verwaltungsvorstand) is responsible for implementing political decisions and coordinating the district’s core administrative tasks. Get to know the first deputy, the other deputies and the treasurer – and learn more about their roles and responsibilities.
The administrative board
As the central executive body, the administrative board – chaired by the district administrator – implements the political decisions of the district council and coordinates the wide range of administrative responsibilities. The board is composed of the First Deputy, the Deputy and the Treasurer. Together, they ensure an efficient and citizen-oriented administration that meets the needs of the residents of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District.
Portfolio & CV : First deputy of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District
Dr. Steven Koch : First Deputy since 2023
Dr Steven Koch has been serving as the First Deputy (Erster Beigeordeter) of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District since 15 March 2023. In this role, he acts as the general representative of the District Administrator and plays an active role in shaping the strategic development of the district. He was elected by the Potsdam-Mittelmark District Council on 2 March 2023 for a term of eight years.
As First Deputy, Dr Koch oversees a broad range of administrative departments within the district authority. His portfolio includes:
- Department of Human Resources, Organisation and Central Services
- Department of Finance, Controlling and Project Management
- Department of Public Order, Safety and Transport
- Department of Children, Youth and Family
Through his leadership of these key administrative sectors, Dr Koch significantly contributes to the efficient governance and forward-looking development of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District.
Dr. Steven Koch's CV
- Born: 1979 in Sangerhausen
- Completed compulsory military service
- Education and training with the Thuringian Police, qualifying for both intermediate and higher levels of the police service
- Qualified for the senior civil service (non-technical branch)
Additional qualifications and academic degrees:
- Diploma in Public Administration (FH)
- Master of Arts in Health Management (M.A.)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- PhD from Witten/Herdecke University (Faculty of Health)
Career path
Dr Steven Koch began his professional career in 1998 with the Thuringian Police, where he served in various positions for over two decades. In 2018, he transitioned to municipal administration and became Head of Public Safety and Order for the City of Gotha. He later managed the Citizens' Services Department of the former royal residence city. On 15 March 2023, he was appointed First Deputy of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District. Alongside his official duties, he also shares his expertise as a lecturer in business administration, social pedagogy, health and law.
Contact the First Deputy
Do you have any questions or concerns? You can reach our First Deputy using the following contact details:
Contact the Deputy
Do you have any questions or concerns? You can reach our Deputy using the following contact details:
Dr. Christoph Löwer : Deputy of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District
Dr. Christoph Löwer : Deputy since 2023
Dr Christoph Löwer has served as Deputy (Beigeordneter) in the administrative board of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District since 1 September 2023. He was elected by the district council in June 2023 with 39 votes in the first ballot and received his letter of appointment on 4 August 2023.
As Deputy, Dr Löwer is responsible for a broad range of administrative departments, including:
- Department of Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Public Health and Veterinary Services
- Department of Construction, Environment and Cadastre
- Department of Social Affairs, Employment and Migration
Through this portfolio, Dr Christoph Löwer plays a key role in ensuring the sustainable development of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District and in implementing political decisions effectively.
Dr. Christoph Löwer's CV
- Born in 1969 in Neustadt an der Weinstraße
- Studied Agricultural Sciences
- Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Justus Liebig University Giessen
- MSc in Technology of Crop Protection, University of Reading (UK)
- Doctorate in Agricultural Engineering (Dr. agr.), Justus Liebig University Giessen
- Research stays in Turkey and Denmark
Career path
Dr Löwer began his career as an underwriter at Munich Re. He then served as Managing Director of the Badischer Weinbauverband (Baden Winegrowers' Association). Following roles at an international communications consultancy, he became Head of the Corporate Representation Office of Alstom Deutschland AG, where he was also spokesperson for senior management and a member of the supervisory board.
He later joined the Federal Association of Natural Gas, Petroleum and Geoenergy (BVEG) as Managing Director and Board Member, leading collective bargaining negotiations with the IGBCE (Mining, Chemical and Energy Industrial Union). In 2019, he became Head of the Berlin Liaison Office at the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE), where he oversaw political communications for the national repository site search.
Academic and voluntary engagement
Dr Löwer has held a teaching position in crisis communication at Quadriga University and has extensive experience in communication for infrastructure projects in line with VDI 7000. He volunteers as Chair of the Board at SAM e.V. and is a member of numerous business associations. He also sits on the advisory board of the Economic Policy Club of Germany (WPCD).
Contact the Deputy
Do you have any questions or concerns? You can reach our Deputy using the following contact details: