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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| Parliamentary group | People's Party for Freedom and Democracy |
| 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 |
| Residences | Leiden, Netherlands |
| Alma mater | Leiden University (Bachelor of Public Administration) Erasmus University Rotterdam (Master of Public Administration) |
| Occupation | Politician · Civil servant · Management consultant · Businesswoman · Corporate director · Nonprofit director |
Melanie Henriëtte Maas Geesteranus (born June 28, 1970) is a Dutch politician and businesswoman who has now retired. She was an important member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). From 2010 to 2017, she served as the Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment. This role meant she was in charge of things like roads, railways, water, and protecting the environment in the Netherlands.
Contents
Melanie Maas Geesteranus's Life and Career
Early Life and Education
Melanie Maas Geesteranus went to a type of high school called a Gymnasium in Lisse from 1982 to 1988. After that, she studied at Leiden University starting in 1988. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Public administration in 1990. Then, she went to Erasmus University Rotterdam and got her Master's degree in Public Administration in 1994.
Starting in Politics
Melanie Maas Geesteranus began her political career in her hometown of Leiden. She was a member of the Municipal Council from 1994 to 1999. A municipal council is like a local government that makes decisions for a city. From 1999 to 2002, she served as an Alderperson in Leiden. An alderperson is a city official who helps manage different parts of the city. Before becoming a full-time politician, she also worked as a consultant and for the Ministry of Finance.
Becoming a State Secretary
In 2002, Melanie Maas Geesteranus became the State Secretary for Transport and Water Management. A State Secretary helps a Minister with their duties. She worked in this role in different governments led by Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. During this time, she also briefly served as a Member of the House of Representatives in 2003. The House of Representatives is where national laws are debated and passed. She decided to leave national politics in 2006.
Serving as a Minister
After some time away from national politics, Melanie Maas Geesteranus returned in 2010. She was appointed as the Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment. This was a very important job where she was responsible for all the country's roads, railways, ports, and environmental policies. She served in this role for seven years, working in two governments led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte. In 2016, she announced that she would retire from national politics for good. Her term as Minister ended in October 2017.
After Politics
After leaving national politics, Melanie Maas Geesteranus started working in the private sector and for public organizations. She joined the boards of several companies and non-profit groups. In 2018, she became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairwoman of the Board of the Porticus Foundation. This shows her continued involvement in important leadership roles.
Special Honours
Melanie Maas Geesteranus has received a special honour for her work.
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| 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 given in the Netherlands to people who have done great things for their country. She was first made a Knight of this Order in 2007, and then promoted to Officer in 2018.
