‘The demands on our military personnel are increasing, both at home and abroad. The Ministry of Defence plays a key role in our society and aims to be an attractive employer. It’s important that we have enough well-trained people with the right equipment and good accommodation. That’s what we’re investing in.’
2000-2002
Dutch law (foundation year), Tilburg University
2002-2005
Public administration, Tilburg University
2005-2006
Master’s in Constitutional Principles of International and European Law (with distinction), Tilburg University
2006-2007
Teaching and research staff member, Netherlands School of Public Administration
2007-2013
Adviser, senior adviser and strategy team leader, municipality of Dordrecht
2013-2015
Director at the municipality of Roosendaal, with responsibility for healthcare, labour market, sport & culture, safety and administration
22 May 2015 – 9 January 2022
Member of North Brabant provincial executive for the VVD, with responsibility for mobility, provincial organisation, knowledge institutions and cooperation (2015-2019) and for mobility, finance and provincial organisation and First Deputy King’s Commissioner (2019-2022)
10 January 2022
Appointed State Secretary of Defence in the fourth Rutte government
30 October 2023
Appointed Minister for Migration in the fourth Rutte government
24 November 2023
Appointed State Secretary of Defence in the fourth Rutte government
2010-2012
Deputy chair of the VVD Brabant regional branch
2012-2014
Member of the VVD party board, with responsibility for recruitment and networking
2015 and 2019
Member of North Brabant provincial council; lead candidate for the VVD in the 2019 North Brabant provincial council elections