Andreas de Graaf is stepping down as municipal secretary of Voorschoten

After just under nine years, including six years as municipal secretary, Andreas de Graaf will step down from his position in Voorschoten effective July 1, 2023. De Graaf feels it is time for a new step in his career. The municipal executive will promptly begin an external search for an interim municipal secretary. It is expected that a candidate will be presented before the summer recess. The process to fill the position permanently will begin in early 2024.

De Graaf has decided to start his own business. He remains committed to supporting the public sector, which is close to his heart, but now from a different perspective. In the coming period, he will be working as an interim manager. In addition, he will focus on finding a solution to the labor shortage, which the municipal sector—like many other essential sectors—is expected to face for another two decades, according to the Netherlands Institute for Social Research.

Unwavering dedication

Nadine Stemerdink, Mayor and Head of the Human Resources Department: “Over the past few years, I’ve come to know Andreas as a dedicated, knowledgeable, and loyal municipal secretary and general director. His tireless dedication has enabled the organization to make strides toward greater professionalism in recent years and has improved the services provided to our residents. Andreas was a constant and stable presence for the municipality. We will miss his expertise, as well as his Rotterdam sense of humor. We wish Andreas all the very best and much success with this exciting next step in his career.”

Fun and Pride

De Graaf looks back on his years in Voorschoten with joy and pride. “It was a remarkable time, marked by the COVID-19 crisis, the reception of displaced persons from Ukraine, the reception of asylum seekers granted refugee status, the unwinding of the Duivenvoorde Work Organization, and, most recently, the train accident. Throughout all these challenges, I had the pleasure of working closely with the municipal executive, the staff, the city council, the community, and our partners. I’m looking forward to my next challenge, but I’ll never forget the ‘Pearl on the Vliet’!”