Melanie Maas Geesteranus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melanie Maas Geesteranus
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Maas Geeesteranus in 2013
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| Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment |
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| In office 14 October 2010 – 26 October 2017 |
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| Prime Minister | Mark Rutte |
| Preceded by | Camiel Eurlings (as Minister of Transport and Water Management) Tineke Huizinga (as Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment) |
| Succeeded by | Cora van Nieuwenhuizen (as Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management) |
| State Secretary for Transport and Water Management |
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| In office 22 July 2002 – 22 February 2007 |
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| Prime Minister | Jan Peter Balkenende |
| Preceded by | Monique de Vries |
| Succeeded by | Tineke Huizinga |
| Member of the House of Representatives | |
| In office 30 January 2003 – 27 May 2003 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Melanie Henriëtte Maas Geesteranus
28 June 1970 Laag-Soeren, Netherlands |
| Political party | People's Party for Freedom and Democracy |
| Spouse |
Haro Schultz van Haegen
(m. 1997–2021) |
| Children | 1 son and 1 daughter |
| Alma mater | Leiden University Erasmus University Rotterdam |
| Occupation | Politician · Civil servant · Management consultant · Businesswoman · Corporate director · Nonprofit director |
Melanie Henriëtte Maas Geesteranus, born on June 28, 1970, is a Dutch politician and businesswoman who has retired from her political career. She was a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). From 2010 to 2017, she held an important job as the Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment.
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Melanie Maas Geesteranus: Early Life and Education
Melanie Maas Geesteranus went to a type of high school called a Gymnasium in Lisse. She studied there from May 1982 to June 1988. After high school, she started studying at Leiden University in June 1988.
She focused on public administration, which is about how governments are managed. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor's degree, in July 1990. Then, she moved to Erasmus University Rotterdam and completed her Master of Public Administration degree in July 1994.
Melanie Maas Geesteranus: Early Career in Politics
Melanie Maas Geesteranus started her political career in her hometown. She was part of the Municipal Council of Leiden from May 1994 to June 1999. This council helps make decisions for the city.
After that, she became an Alderperson in Leiden. She held this role from June 1999 to July 2002. An alderperson is like a city council member with more specific responsibilities.
Besides her political roles, she also worked as a consultant. From January 1995 to April 1997, she was a management consultant for a company called B&A Group. She also worked for the government. From April 1997 to June 1999, she was a civil servant in the Ministry of Finance.
Melanie Maas Geesteranus: National Government Roles
State Secretary for Transport and Water Management
After the election in 2002, Melanie Maas Geesteranus joined the national government. She was appointed as the State Secretary for Transport and Water Management. She started this job on July 22, 2002.
A State Secretary helps a Minister with their duties. This government, called the Cabinet Balkenende I, lasted only four months. It continued to work in a temporary way until a new government was formed.
Member of the House of Representatives
In the election of 2003, Maas Geesteranus was elected as a Member of the House of Representatives. This is like being a member of parliament. She took office on January 30, 2003.
After a new government was formed in 2003, she continued her role as State Secretary. She served in the Cabinet Balkenende II, starting on May 27, 2003. This government also faced changes and continued to work temporarily.
In August 2006, she announced she would leave national politics. She did not run in the election of 2006. She officially left her State Secretary role on February 22, 2007.
Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment
After leaving politics, Melanie Maas Geesteranus worked in the private and public sectors. She served on the boards of several organizations. These included companies like Achmea and the Institute for Sound and Vision.
In 2010, she returned to national politics. After the election of 2010, she became the Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment. She started this important role on October 14, 2010.
This government, the Cabinet Rutte I, also ended in April 2012. She announced she would not run in the election of 2012. However, she continued as Minister in the next government, Cabinet Rutte II, starting on November 5, 2012.
In May 2016, she announced her retirement from national politics for a second time. She did not run in the election of 2017. She officially left her ministerial role on October 26, 2017, when a new government was formed.
Melanie Maas Geesteranus: Post-Political Career
After retiring from national politics, Melanie Maas Geesteranus returned to working outside of government. In March 2018, she was named the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the Porticus Foundation. She started this role on April 1, 2018.
Decorations and Honours
Melanie Maas Geesteranus has received special honours for her work.
| Ribbon bar | Honour | Country | Date | Comment |
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Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Netherlands | 14 February 2018 | Elevated from Knight (11 April 2007) |
She was made an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau. This is a special award from the Netherlands. She first received a lower rank, Knight, in 2007, and then was promoted to Officer in 2018.
