Jan Willem Meinsma appointed as member of the Saxion Executive Board

As CFA Director since May 2020, Jan Willem has been responsible for overhauling the internal allocation of financial resources and implementing new IT systems for financial operations. He was previously a director at the Association for Christian Secondary Education (CVO) in Rotterdam and worked in various management/director posts in the field of finance and control, including TNO, Bartiméus and Utrecht University. From 2009 to 2017, Jan Willem was Executive Board member at UAS Windesheim, where he also had Operational Management and Entrepreneurship in his portfolio.

Karl Dittrich Chair of the Supervisory Board, explains the motivation behind the appointment of Jan Willem: “Jan Willem is an experienced director with a great passion for the primary operational process. He has experience in a variety of sectors (services, industry, research, care and education) and has a solid background in strategic planning, change management and broad operational management (including ICT, HRM and quality assurance). By appointing him, the Supervisory Board has gone for continuity and reinforcing executive strength at Saxion. He has boundless enthusiasm for the university’s key tasks and through his portfolio we expect him to make a valuable contribution to strengthening the regional and national position of Saxion.”

Wytse Mensonides and Daan Hendriks were both in the selection committee, representing the Saxion University Council: “Jan Willem clearly brings his own dynamism. We already know him from a few dossiers where he has shown how he can work constructively to find solutions. During his application, he also shared his vision on participation and handling criticism. A vision that we also share. We look forward to being able to continue working with him.”

Anka Mulder, Executive Board President, is enthusiastic about Jan Willem’s appointment: “I got to know Jan Willem during his time as Director CFA, as an inspiring connector with a passion for education and research and as someone who knew how to translate strategy into daily practice. He shares the ambition to be of maximum value to the region. More than that, he is a great colleague! I’m really looking forward to working with him in the Executive Board, along with Timo.”

Jan Willem’s reaction: “Telling Saxion’s strong story together with my colleagues, will get my full commitment. We’ve struck gold with Living Technology, when it comes to having an impact in this rapidly changing world and working together to strengthen local regions. In the past I was able to establish a new university of applied sciences in Flevoland. I’m eager to put this experience to good use in Apeldoorn, where we are joining forces with partners to work on finding solutions to security issues both now and in the future.”