Kersten has been Chief Executive of Bradford Council since 2015. Kersten’s main priority is to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth. Bradford District has the youngest population in the UK and is also one of the most diverse, globally connected and entrepreneurial.

Kersten chairs the Yorkshire and Humber Chief Executive’s Board, the Serious and Organised Crime Strategic Partnership for West Yorkshire, and the Bradford and Tower Hamlets ‘Act Early’ Partnership. She led on innovation, business growth and the digital agenda within the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and was lead Chief Executive for the Yorkshire Leaders Board. Kersten has also been a member of the Council of the University of Bradford and sat on the advisory board of the Bradford Literature Festival, as well as being lay canon of Bradford Cathedral and Director of the UK City of Culture 2025 Trust Board.

Kersten has charitable interests, serving as an advisor to the Resolution Foundation and being involved with the Young Foundation, whose mission is to develop better connected and more sustainable communities across the UK.

Kersten’s career has included work in the higher education, central government (as Director of Local Government for Y&H) and the voluntary sector as well as 30 years in local government. She was previously Chief Executive of the City of York for six years. She is passionate about building resilient and confident communities, supporting local democracy and sustainable urban growth. Kersten was made a CBE in the 2020 new year’s honours list for her services to the communities and economy of Bradford.