General board recommends Roeland van der Schaaf as new dike reeve

Experienced driver

Van der Schaaf, 51, has been an alderman (PvdA) in the municipality of Groningen since 2012. As an alderman, he has extensive administrative experience, including in the spatial domain. His portfolio includes spatial development, housing, neighborhood renewal, reinforcement, and restoration. Prior to that, he worked for a housing association and the municipality.

Future-oriented

Bert Middel's intended successor was selected by the confidential committee from 33 candidates (9 women and 24 men). Lambert Zwiers, chair of the confidential committee: "The Noorderzijlvest water board was looking for a true connector, someone who is excellent at collaborating and who can put the importance of water prominently on the national and regional agenda. The general board has every confidence that Roeland van der Schaaf, as dike reeve, will be able to steer these developments."

Van der Schaaf describes the position of dike reeve as a wonderful opportunity: “I thoroughly enjoyed serving as an alderman in the municipality for almost ten years, and the position of dike reeve is a very nice follow-up to that. Noorderzijlvest will face significant challenges in the coming years, such as adapting to the consequences of climate change. Water will play an increasingly important role in our society. I feel honored to be able to contribute to this as dike reeve, in collaboration with all those involved."

Further procedure

The general board sends the recommendation to the Provincial Executive of Groningen. They forward it, together with their comments, to the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management. Roeland van der Schaaf will then be nominated by the minister for appointment as dike reeve by royal decree. Assuming that the nomination is accepted, Van der Schaaf will take up his position as dike reeve in mid-summer.