‘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 for 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
