Erik van Wattingen Named Interim Municipal Secretary of Voorschoten

Erik van Wattingen will become the new municipal clerk of Voorschoten effective June 27. He will serve in this role on an interim basis. The municipal executive has made this decision.

The departure of Municipal Secretary Andreas de Graaf has created a vacancy. Pending the permanent filling of the position, the municipal executive decided to ensure continuity on an interim basis. In the municipality of Voorschoten, the position of municipal secretary is combined with that of general director.

For the past three years, Mr. Van Wattingen (53) has served as municipal secretary of Koggenland in North Holland, a municipality comparable in size to Voorschoten. “I have seen that the municipality of Voorschoten is undergoing significant change, both in building a strong administrative organization and in tackling the major challenges of our time—from housing and sustainability to refugee reception and civic engagement. Leading such a dynamic and innovative organization energizes me. I look forward to setting my sights on the ‘Pearl on the Vliet.’”

Mr. Van Wattingen has extensive experience in local government. He has also worked in the business world. He has been appointed for six months. This term may be extended by six months. The process to appoint a permanent municipal clerk will begin in early 2024.