Long-serving councillor Mark Verhoeven awarded royal honour for decades of public service
Mark Verhoeven (69) from Luyksgestel has been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau for his 40 years of dedication to local governance. Residents and colleagues praise his commitment, reliability, and constructive leadership as he retires from the Bergeijk council.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mark Verhoeven |
| Age | 69 |
| Honour | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Years of Service | Over 40 years in local politics |
| Municipalities Served | Luyksgestel (1994–1996), Bergeijk (1997–2006, 2016–2018, 2022–2026) |
| Roles | Councillor, Faction Leader, Deputy Council Chair |
| Retirement | Steps down after final term, remains active in the community |
| Presentation | Honour awarded by Mayor Wilma Delissen on 31 March 2026 |
The municipality of Bergeijk is responsible for local governance, including appointing councillors and recognizing their contributions to public service. Royal honours, such as the Order of Orange-Nassau, are awarded to individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts in their communities.
Read the full translated article below
Royal Honour for Mark Verhoeven
On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, Mayor Wilma Delissen presented a royal honour to Mr Mark Verhoeven (69) from Luyksgestel during the final council meeting of this administrative term. He was appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. This royal distinction recognises his long-standing and valuable contributions as a councillor.
Career in local government
Mark Verhoeven has been active in local politics for more than forty years. After serving in the grassroots and as a committee member, he was a councillor for the municipality of Luyksgestel from 1 March 1994 to 31 December 1996. Following municipal reorganisation, he continued his role as a councillor in the municipality of Bergeijk in several periods: from 1 January 1997 to 9 March 2006, from 24 March 2016 to 23 March 2018, and again since 25 March 2022. He also served as faction leader and deputy council chair.
Committed representative and active in society
With his retirement as a councillor, a long period of public service comes to an end. Throughout the years, he has distinguished himself through his strong commitment to residents and local governance. He is known as a councillor who listens carefully to society, sets clear frameworks, and offers constructive criticism.
Within and outside his faction, he is valued for his reliability, perseverance, and dedication to the community. After forty years of active involvement in local politics, he is making way for a new generation. He will remain involved in the background, but no longer as a councillor.
For most of his working life, he held managerial positions in production environments. Since his retirement, he has continued to work two to three days a week as a self-employed entrepreneur. Mark is also socially engaged and active in associations.
Recognition
The municipality expresses its deep appreciation for Mark Verhoeven’s dedication and commitment and warmly congratulates him on this well-deserved royal honour.
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