Leusden councillors Carlos Genders and Wim van Ginkel awarded Royal Honours for decades of public service
Two long-serving Leusden councillors, Carlos Genders and Wim van Ginkel, have been honored as Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau for their dedication to local governance and community life. Their work in infrastructure, sustainability, and civic engagement has left a lasting impact on residents.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipients | Carlos Genders (VVD) and Wim van Ginkel (CDA) |
| Honour | Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Award Date | 19 January 2026 (presented 31 March 2026) |
| Service Duration | Genders: 16 years (since 2010), Van Ginkel: 12 years (since 2014) |
| Key Contributions | Infrastructure, sustainability, spatial planning, community engagement |
| Location | Leusden, Utrecht Province |
| Presented by | Mayor Bouwmeester |
The municipal council of Leusden plays a key role in local governance, shaping policies on infrastructure, spatial planning, and community welfare. Royal Honours, awarded by the Dutch monarchy, recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to society through public service or civic engagement.
Read the full translated article below
Honours awarded to Carlos Genders and Wim van Ginkel
During the farewell meeting of the municipal council on Tuesday, 31 March, Mayor Bouwmeester presented two Royal Honours.
Messrs C.P.W.J. (Carlos) Genders and W.G. (Wim) van Ginkel were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Royal Decree on 19 January 2026.
Mayor Bouwmeester expressed his appreciation during the presentation: “Both gentlemen have dedicated themselves for many years with great commitment and sincere involvement to our community. Their contribution to local governance and social life in Leusden is of great value. With this honour, we express our deep appreciation for everything they have meant to our municipality.”
Carlos Genders
Carlos Genders has been a councillor in Leusden since 2010, spanning four council terms. He was one of the most experienced representatives in the municipal council and helped shape the political culture through his style and presence. With his background in civil engineering and his work on bridges and infrastructure, he knew better than anyone how important it is to build solid foundations, both literally and figuratively. As VVD faction leader from 2013, he led the faction with substantive sharpness and a pragmatic approach. He prepared thoroughly and conducted debates with conviction. He contributed to files on infrastructure, sustainability and the social domain and was a constant presence in the council: someone who took responsibility and dug deep into the content.
Wim van Ginkel
Wim van Ginkel has been a councillor for the CDA since 2014. Over twelve years, he became a fixture in the municipal council, known for his calm demeanour, expertise and ability to carefully separate facts from emotions. In matters such as spatial planning, the military-historical heritage at Leusderheide and developments at Landgoed Den Treek-Henschoten, he always saw the bigger picture and made complex topics accessible. He is known for his meticulous preparation, his listening attitude and his sincere involvement with residents. He was also active outside the council, including as a member of the activities committee of the Hamershof shopping centre and at commemorations and local initiatives. Whenever something was organised, he was there to lend a hand. Thanks to his visible presence in the community, he became a familiar face in Leusden.