The Commissioner of the King in South Holland, Wouter Kolff, has sworn in Bernt Schneiders as the acting mayor of the municipality of Noordwijk. He has been appointed effective October 13, 2025.
Mayor Wendy Verkleij-Eimers decided earlier this year to step down as mayor of Noordwijk. For this reason, a vacancy for the mayors position arose in Noordwijk. The Commissioner of the King will discuss with the municipal council after the municipal elections of 2026 to explore when the procedure for appointing a crown-appointed mayor can begin. Bernt Schneiders will remain in his position until the crown-appointed mayor takes office.
Background on Schneiders
Mr. Schneiders has extensive administrative experience as mayor in various municipalities. From 2006 to 2016, he was mayor of Haarlem. Before that, he held the mayors office in Heemskerk (2001–2006) and Landsmeer (1995–2001). Between 2015 and 2017, he served as acting mayor of Bloemendaal.
Earlier in his career, he worked as an assistant to the mayor of Amsterdam and to the Commissioner of the King in North Holland. As of October 1, he stepped down after more than 9 years as director of the VSBfonds. In 2023, he acted as a formateur for the provincial government of North Holland.
