DB member Annette van Velde appointed new portfolio holder for water safety at the Union of Water Boards

Three-year appointment

Annette takes over the portfolio from Vincent Lokin, who had been acting in this capacity since January 1, 2025, following the appointment of Jeroen Haan as chair of the Union. The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of renewal for another three years. 

Jeroen Haan, chair of the Union of Water Boards:"Iam delighted with the appointment of Annette van Velde. I am confident that she will make an important contribution to representing the interests of the water authorities with great enthusiasm and dedication. She is a well-rounded administrator with a unifying management style, who will strengthen the Union's board and the program board of the Flood Protection Program. She will also play a positive and constructive role as chair of the Water Safety Committee."

Plenty of challenges

Within her new portfolio, Van Velde will be responsible for water safety, road management, and the Delta Program, which includes the Flood Protection Program."I am eagertodevotemyenergy to my role as portfolio holder for water safety for the association of 21 water boards," said Annette van Velde about her appointment. "There are plenty of challenges, now that the way we live with water is increasingly reaching its limits. Due to more extreme periods of rain and drought, there is a major task ahead to improve the safety of our living environment, for example by strengthening the dikes."

Background

Annette van Velde has been a member of the executive committee of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority since April 2019. She represents the Geborgd Ongebouwd–VVD–CDA coalition and holds the position of second deputy dike reeve. Her portfolio includes water safety, sufficient and clean water, soil subsidence, and the management of muskrats and coypu.

Union of Water Boards

The Union of Water Boards is the association of Dutch water boards. Water boards are responsible for managing flood defenses, regional water management, and sewage treatment. There are 21 water boards in the Netherlands. The Union of Water Boards represents the water boards at the national and international level, promotes their interests, and encourages knowledge exchange and cooperation.